The e-truck, developed by local Grey Lynn trucking business Carr & Haslam, is a zero-emission transporter that will reduce the carbon footprint of the distribution process.
“Audi wants to be a net-zero carbon emissions company by 2050. By 2025, we will offer more than 20 fully electric, battery-driven cars,” commented Audi General Manager, Dean Sheed. “A key part of this strategy is for Audi to also reduce the ecological footprint of its fleet and we have a global goal of a 30 percent reduction. Being able to use this new, state of the art EV transporter as part of our distribution strategy, helps us work towards achieving these goals.”
The eCanter was designed and built by Carr & Haslam, who have an extensive track record in car distribution across New Zealand. The EV truck was built with the support and assistance of EECA through its low emission vehicles contestable fund, encouraging the sector’s transition to low emission technology.
Commenting in the new transporter, EECA’s Transport Portfolio Manager Richard Briggs said, “We’re really pleased to be working with Carr & Haslam as an early adopter in heavy electric freight – heavy vehicles have an outsized impact on transport emissions, so low-emissions options are vital to decarbonising the sector. We’re looking forward to seeing more and more low-emissions heavy trucks on the roads.”
Director of Carr & Haslam, Chris Carr added, “We’ve long partnered with Daimler for our heavy trucks, and this FUSO eCanter is the first in what will be an increasing line of EVs in our fleet. Our business was established in 1922, so to see the eCanter join our fleet is as significant as when my grandfather took ownership of his first internal combustion engine truck, ahead of the “technology” of the day, which was a horse and cart. We’re really proud to be part of a more sustainable future.”
Key facts about the eCanter:
• The transporter is a single car unit, built on a Fuso eCanter chassis.
• It is built to Carr & Haslam’s design, and caters for low clearance and EV vehicles specifically.
• It can carry EV cars, which tend to be a little heavier than ICE vehicles
• The range is approximately 125km
• A diesel engine unit like this uses about 17 litres/100km.
• This is the first EV unit in NZ to deliver vehicles.
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