Speedy Services adds two FUSO eCanters to fleet

George Barrow
January 4, 2023

Tool and equipment hire company Speedy Services added its first two zero-emission FUSO eCanters to its fleet.

One of the new vehicles is based at a depot near Whitehaven, Cumbria, where it supplies contractors working at the former nuclear power and fuel reprocessing site in Sellafield, while the other works from a branch in Warrington, serving mostly building firms.

Speedy’s fleet director Aaron Powell said: “We’re keen to invest in low and zero-emission transport as quickly as is practically possible. We already have around 150 electric vans on our fleet but these eCanters are our first battery-powered trucks at 7.5 tonnes.

“We reviewed the market before settling on the FUSO eCanter. There are battery-electric alternatives available, but these are either aftermarket conversions or vehicles that are very new. The eCanter, by contrast, is a factory-built truck that is already well proven in operation and comes with a bumper-to-bumper warranty. Driveline aside, it’s also very similar to the diesel-engined Canters that have been providing reliable and cost-efficient service on our fleet for many years.”

The new eCanters are the subject of a contract hire agreement with Daimler Truck Financial Services and fitted with plant-carrying platform bodies by Bevan Group; these have dropsides incorporating the Black Country bodybuilder’s patented Safe-T-Drop system.

Power comes from six 13.8kWh lithium-ion batteries with a total usable battery size of 66kWh and a claimed range of around 62 miles. The batteries are paired to an electric motor producing 129kW (180 hp) via a single-speed transmission in the rear axle.

Powell added: “With an exceptionally high body and payload allowance, compact footprint and tight turning circle, the diesel Canter has proved to be well suited to our demands. The battery-powered version combines the same advantages with a smooth and quiet electric driveline that requires no gearchanges so is even easier and more comfortable to drive.”

About the Author

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George Barrow

George has been writing about nearly anything with wheels for the past 15 years and is the UK jury member of the International Van of the Year and International Pick-Up Award.

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