Truck maker Fuso has revealed its future thinking strategies with the unveiling of their Eco-D concept truck. While not destined for
Truck maker Fuso has revealed its future thinking strategies with the unveiling of their Eco-D concept truck.
While not destined for production the Canter -based Eco-D has many features that may one day be used in production Fuso trucks.
It is powered by a three litre double overhead cam diesel rated at 92kW with the electric motor generating a little more than one third of that; 35kW.
It has a lithium-ion battery and uses Fuso’s INOMAT-II automated transmission. This drive train is similar to what you’ll find in the production Canter hybrid light duty truck.
Tsutomu Kondo, Fuso’s senior manager and head of hybrid electric vehicle development says the Canter Eco-D is a view to future possible applications of hybrid systems and other advanced technology in commercial vehicles.
The Canter Eco-D has a 3350mm wheelbase and is capable of carrying a 3000kg tipper body. The distinctive styling is a result of Fuso’s quest for a sophisticated, flowing design that is both functional and utilitarian.
Full side covers incorporate a battery cover with LED illumination and to compliment the close fit between the wheel arches and the tyres the truck has air suspension that can raise the whole vehicle by 70mm (2.5 inches) to facilitate wheel changes.
The cab of the Fuso Eco-D is both impressive and practical.
It features full size opening doors that are hinged at the rear. This, say the designers, is to enable the driver to exit the truck in tight confines.
Another feature that is used in other applications is a full glass roof that offers a liquid crystal laminate that adjusts the level of sun screening according to the strength of the sunlight.
It provides a number of benefits including control of UV rays into the cab and cabin temperature.
Not unexpectedly, the concept Fuso Canter boasts a number of safety features that can be found in many of today’s cars and trucks.
The predominant glass cabin provides the driver with a better than filed of view in all driving conditions and eliminates blind spots while ABS and ESP are added to enhance braking and stability.
An overhead console in the cab contains the controls for the operation of the tipper and closed-circuit cameras are position in three locations around the truck with the monitor integrated into the interior rear view mirror assembly.
The feeds from the three cameras also function as side mirrors and a rear view mirror.
The instrument pod is all digital and the cab has been designed for ease of cleaning with many smooth hard surfaces used.