FUSO eCanters Demonstrate Cold-Weather Performance in Icy Northern Finland

Kanagawa, Japan- Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC)., a commercial vehicle manufacturer, has ventured into Finland's frigid terrains with the introduction of two cutting-edge 7.5-tonne eCanters for DB SCHENKER, Europe's largest fleet operator. These electric trucks, stationed near the Arctic Circle, are making waves with their impressive performance despite the harsh weather conditions.

Since their debut in January 2024, these eCanters have been serving DB SCHENKER's logistics operations in Finland. One unit braves the heavy snow and bone-chilling temperatures of Kuusamo, while the other operates in Oulu, approximately 200 kilometers southwest.

DB SCHENKER's decision to integrate these eCanters into their Finnish fleet stems from their commitment to challenging the notion that electric trucks are unsuitable for cold climates. Having already incorporated 50 earlier models across Europe, DB SCHENKER aimed to demonstrate the viability of electric trucks even in the most adverse conditions.

In Kuusamo, where temperatures plummet to -30°C, drivers have logged over 1,200 kilometers with the eCanter, attesting to its flawless performance in extreme cold. A critical factor contributing to this success is electric preconditioning, a feature unique to the new eCanter model. By pre-heating the battery using grid power before embarking on journeys, the eCanter maintains optimal performance despite the freezing ambient temperatures.

Mr. Määttä, one of the drivers, praises the eCanter's reliability, emphasizing that he has never encountered issues with depleted batteries thanks to meticulous route planning. As the warmer seasons approach, DB SCHENKER anticipates further enhancing their logistical efficiency with increased range and experience with the eCanter.

For Harald Knaapinen, Head of Land Transport Finland at DB SCHENKER, the adoption of the eCanter aligns with their commitment to sustainable logistics. By investing in electric transportation, DB SCHENKER aims to reduce CO2 emissions and pioneer eco-friendly solutions in Finland's parcel transportation sector. The deployment of these two eCanters in northern Finland serves as the ultimate test of their capabilities under extreme weather conditions.

DB SCHENKER's partnership with MFTBC dates back to the introduction of the predecessor to the current eCanter model in 2018. With 52 eCanters now operating across Europe, DB SCHENKER continues to lead the charge towards a greener, more sustainable future in logistics.