A FUSO eCanter has joined the fleet of foodservice wholesaler Bidfood for its deliveries in London.
The all-electric truck is the first of its kind being run by the major operator.
Therefore, all parties are keen to make the tie-up a success and to pave the way for more EVs to join the fleet.
Bidfood chose the FUSO eCanter because of the need to improve air quality in towns and cities.
Interestingly, the truck is the first of its kind to be fitted with a temperature-controlled body.
The fridge unit was built by Gray & Adams and is cooled by a Frigoblock eutectic refrigeration system.
In other words, it chills the insulated twin-compartment box as the eCanter’s main drive batteries are being recharged.
As a result, the batteries aren’t drained while the vehicle is out on the road.
Bidfood actually took delivery of the FUSO eCanter in 2020.
However, covid and the lockdowns – plus the fallout from the pandemic – put those plans back.
Thankfully, the truck is now in service, operating out of Bidfood’s depot in Battersea.
From there, it delivers to customers throughout central London, typically covering 37-43 miles (50-60km) each day.
Bidfood depot manager, Jon Stansfield, explained the decision to go electric.
“Like all transport operators working in London we face the reality of emissions-based restrictions.
“These are only going to get stricter, with similar regimes becoming more widespread throughout the country.”
Continuing, Stansfield said it was important for the business to future-proof itself against further regulations.
“We were keen to trial an electric truck and get a true picture of how it would fit our requirements,” he added.
The new addition has a driving range of up to 62 miles.
“The eCanter was an obvious choice and it’s already well proven in operation.”
