DPD, Hovis and Wincanton have become the first UK fleets to take delivery of the Fuso eCanter all-electric 7.5-tonne electric truck.

Between them, the three companies will operate several eCanter trucks in their fleets for deliveries in and around London, which offer operating ranges of more than 60 miles per charge.

Marc Llistosella, president and CEO of Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation and head of Daimler Trucks Asia, said: “After our launches in New York, Tokyo and Berlin, we are proud to hand over the all-electric eCanter to visionary customers in London.

"As an emission-free and quiet alternative to conventional trucks, the eCanter is the ideal solution for sustainable urban delivery. But we do not stop here.

Having access to Daimler’s vast global network, we are committed to cooperate with and support local governments in building an E-ecosystem and necessary infrastructure to facilitate the growth of environmentally-friendly distribution systems.

"At the same time, we are excited to be able to work with cities such as London as they work to create a greener and more sustainable urban environment in the UK.”

The eCanter has a GVW of 7.5 tonnes and a payload of up to 4.5 tonnes depending on body and use case. 

Powered by six high-voltage lithium-ion batteries with 420V and 13.8kWh each, the electric drivetrain with a permanent-magnet-motor delivers 180PS.

DPD is an international delivery business distributing 4.8 million parcels per day in over 200 countries worldwide. In the UK, DPD employs over 6,000 people and operates 2,340 vehicles in its fleet. The logistics business is going to operate two Fuso eCanter trucks for the first two years.

Hovis is a baking and flour milling business headquartered in High Wycombe, employing around 3,200 people at bakeries, flour mills and distribution centres in the UK. Its milling business processes over 800,000 tons of wheat per year, supplying flour to craft and industrial bakers across the UK and Ireland. Hovis will run two vehicles initially.

Wincanton PLC is Britain’s largest logistics firm with approximately 17,500 employees at more than 200 sites. It will add five Fuso eCanter trucks to its fleet of 3,600 vehicles, and the company aims to develop a UK-wide sustainable road transport and distribution system.