Australia Post (AusPost) has begun operating three newly delivered Fuso eCanter electric trucks at its delivery depot in Melbourne, with a further 17 trucks expected in the New Year.
The eCanter adds to Australia Post’s existing electric delivery fleet of more than 2,100 electric delivery vehicles and 1,400 electric bicycles, and follows the successful trial of the Daimler-developed truck in late 2019.
James Dixon, general manager networks at AusPost, said, “We’re very proud to be Australia’s largest electric fleet operator, but up until this point our electric fleet has consisted solely of smaller delivery vehicles that are used for the last mile. We’ve trialed a range of electric trucks previously, but the Fuso eCanter is the first we’ve found that suits both Australian conditions and our unique operational needs.”
Susan Mizrahi, chief sustainability officer for AusPost, said that expanding the current electric fleet was an important part of the company’s corporate responsibility plan and its science-based target to reduce emissions by 15% by 2025. “This is an important milestone for our business. We know that every delivery has a carbon footprint, which is why we’re committed to reducing our emissions through growing our electric fleet and increasing our renewable energy production to help power these new vehicles,” she explained.
The Fuso eCanter is the only OEM electric truck available in Australia and uses the latest technology from the Daimler Truck group.
Daniel Whitehead, president and CEO of Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific, which represents the Fuso, Freightliner and Mercedes-Benz brands, said, “Daimler is thrilled to partner with such an iconic brand as Australia Post on a journey toward carbon-neutral freight transportation in Australia.”
The remaining 17 eCanters will be delivered from early 2022, with the rollout of the new vehicles supported by Australia Post’s fleet management provider, SG Fleet.