Auckland zero emissions truck trial starts

Five Fuso eCanter electric trucks are included in an Auckland Transport (AT) Auckland Inner City Zero Emissions Area (ZEA) trial.

They are being used by trial participants Mainfreight, Bidfood, Toll Global Express, Owens Transport and Vector OnGas.

The one-year trial will see the integration of the fully electric trucks into New Zealand’s commercial fleet to deliver goods in the inner city.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff says the electric trucks will pave the way for reduced carbon emissions and will contribute to improved air quality in Auckland’s city centre.

“Transport makes up more than 40% of Auckland’s emissions profile. The shift towards emissions-free vehicles is a critical step towards meeting our climate change goals,” he says.

“This trial will complement emissions-reduction work already underway by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport, including the rollout of emissions-free electric buses across our transport network. It will also contribute towards our vision of creating a zero-emissions area in Auckland’s city centre.”

 Earlier this year, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) approved co-funding for the five Fuso eCanter trucks – to support the development of New Zealand’s zero-emission transport fleet.

The trial will support the integration of electric trucks into transport and delivery systems, with support from EECA, commercial vehicle lease specialists TR Group, and telematics experts EROAD.

“It’s really important for AT that this trial helps demonstrate the potential for electric heavy vehicles,” AT services and performance group manager Tracey Berkahn says.

“Companies involved in the trial will have the advantage of understanding what it really takes to run electric trucks. This trial is quite unique as those involved have banded together over this common cause.”

Fuso NZ sales and customer experience group manager Kathy Schluter says the ZEA trial launch marks another significant milestone in the important journey towards successfully integrating fully electric trucks into New Zealand’s commercial fleet.

“We are incredibly proud and excited to see Fuso’s eCanter leading the charge in the first trial of its kind in New Zealand,” she adds.

 “The all-electric eCanter is ideal for inner city delivery – emissions-free, virtually silent, and equipped with advanced safety systems – it will deliver considerable benefits for local residents and workers along with the wide variety of freight it is built to carry.

 “The trial sets the scene for the future, particularly for the early adopters who have committed to joining us on this journey.”