The Grimsby-based operator’s 7.5-tonne Canter 7C15 Eco Hybrid was supplied by Mercedes-Benz Dealer Northside Truck & Van – the German manufacturer’s network is responsible for sales and support of the FUSO light truck range across mainland Britain. It is fitted with an insulated box body by The Cold Consortium, of York, and a GAH single-temperature refrigeration unit.
The new Canter has lined up alongside another new, traditionally fuelled 7.5-tonne truck by a rival manufacturer.
Company director Colin Evans revealed: “The two trucks are on very similar work and while the established vehicle returns an average of 14 mpg, the Canter Eco Hybrid is already hitting 17.5 mpg, a figure we expect will get even better. Clearly, an improvement of that magnitude represents a very significant saving.
“The Canter also wins hands-down on payload, which means it’s more efficient and productive – despite the weight of its insulated body and refrigeration unit it can still carry nearly 3.5 tonnes, over a tonne more than its rival, which is very impressive.
“We’ve never had a hybrid vehicle before but I see no reason to be afraid of the technology, while the benefits in cost savings and reduced emissions are clear.”
The Canter 7C15 Eco Hybrid truck is powered by a 110 kW (150hp) diesel engine that works in parallel with a 40 kW (54hp) electric motor.
From stationary it uses electric power only, then switches to a combination of diesel and electric operation once a speed of around 6mph has been reached. Depending on the power demand, the electric motor also supports the diesel at higher speeds; mode switching is seamless, requiring no input from the driver. To optimise fuel-saving an Idle Start-Stop system is fitted as standard.
The lightweight electric motor and lithium-ion batteries – covered by a 10-year, unlimited mileage warranty, fully supported by FUSO – mean the hybrid version weighs just 160 kg more than the standard diesel-powered Canter, resulting in a 5.0 tonne body and payload allowance.
Evans European Transport’s new truck is the subject of an Agility funding agreement, from Mercedes-Benz Financial Services.