Goldstar Transport Delves Into Electric for ‘Last-Mile’ Delivery.

News

14 Dec

The Perth-based company, which employs 400 people and has a fleet of more than 150 trucks, has taken delivery of its first eCanter.

Head of Daimler Truck Overseas, Andreas von Wallfeld, Daimler Truck Australia Pacific President and CEO, Daniel Whitehead, and Fuso Truck and Bus Australia Director, Alex Müller were all on hand to hand over the keys to Goldstar Transport Managing Director, Sean Carren. Their presence was indicative of the importance the company places in the future of electric powered vehicles for ‘last-mile’ delivery.

The Fuso eCanter was the world’s first series production electric truck and is in operation with leading brands such as Bunnings, Coles, Toohey’s and Australia Post. The Goldstar truck is the first eCanter to be deployed in Western Australia.

Sean Carren says Goldstar Transport is pleased to invest in advanced trucks such as the eCanter which is the company’s first zero-emission truck.

“Goldstar really strives to look after our people and give them the best equipment to do the job and the eCanter is part of our ongoing commitment to our people, he commented. “We have a social responsibility to do our bit and a quality product like the eCanter makes that a reality.

He says he is “exceptionally happy” with the quality of the eCanter which has a Gross Vehicle Mass of 7.5 tonnes. It’s a proven product from a trusted brand and we get a lot of support from Daimler Truck and the Fuso team.”

**Sean Carren, Andreas von Wallfeld, Daniel Whitehead**

“Goldstar Transport demands the most advanced, most efficient and safest vehicles available so the Fuso eCanter is a perfect fit for this exemplary fleet,” added Daimler’s Daniel Whitehead. “We applaud Sean Carren for introducing this pioneering Fuso electric vehicle to Goldstar Transport, demonstrating the benefits of an environmental workhorse that produces no emissions and makes hardly any noise.”

Six liquid-cooled lithium ion batteries mounted in the eCanter frame store 82.8kW/h of electricity (with 66kW/h of usable power) and feed a permanent magnet synchronous motor. Power output is rated at 135kW and 390Nm of torque can be delivered the moment the accelerator pedal is pressed. It was the subject of a rigorous testing regime around the world, including a six-month Australian test running with a maximum load, in addition to real world driving in overseas markets.

Andreas von Wallfeld says the Fuso eCanter is demonstrating the benefits of electric trucks in real world conditions.

“Fuso eCanters are out there working hard for our customers in many countries, showing that an electric truck from a proven manufacturer is not just a pipe dream, but a viable freight transport solution for cities around the world.”

The eCanter is the only electric truck in its class to feature active safety features. It comes standard with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which are increasingly important for leading companies and government bodies with a firm focus on health and safety.

If electricity is not your thing at the moment, Fuso currently features diesel engines across the range that align with or undercut the stringent Euro 6 emissions standards (which will not be mandated in Australia until 2024).