Perth based Goldstar Transport has become the first WA truck operator to add an electric Fuso eCanter to its fleet as Daimler continues its rollout of zero emission truck technology around the country
Goldstar, which started in 2004 with just one truck now employs 400 people with a fleet of 178 trucks, is one of the real success stories of the WA transport industry and has a blue chip range of clients including Woolworths, Coca Cola and Swedish Steel among many other.
Goldstar’s managing director Sean Carren was handed the keys to the new eCanter by head of Daimler Trucks Overseas, Andreas von Wallfeld, who was making his first visit to Australia on a whirlwind three day trip.
The importance of Goldstar receiving the first e Canter in WA in clearly interlinked with its rapid growth on the back of a largely Daimler fleet andf its record for customer service and innovation.
Along with Andreas von Wallfeld, Daimler Truck Australia president and CEO Daniel Whitehad and Fuso Truck and Bus Australia director Alex Müller were on hand for the hand over ceremony. 
Sean Carren said that Goldstar Transport was pleased to invest in advanced trucks such as the eCanter and eager to introduce its first zero-emission truck
“Goldstar really strives to look after our people and give them the best equipment to do the job and the eCanter is part of our ongoing commitment to our people,” Sean explained.
“We have a social responsibility to do our bit and a quality product like the eCanter makes that a reality,” he said.
Carran went on to say he is “exceptionally happy” with the quality of the eCanter which has a Gross Vehicle Mass of 7.5 tonnes.
“It’s a proven product from a trusted brand and we get a lot of support from Daimler Truck and the Fuso team,” he added.
Daniel Whitehead said it makes sense that Goldstar Transport acquire a Fuso eCanter.
“Goldstar Transport demands the most advanced, most efficient and safest vehicles available, so the Fuso eCanter is a perfect fit for this exemplary fleet,” he said.
“We applaud Sean Carren for introducing this pioneering Fuso electric vehicle to Goldstar Transport, demonstrating the benefits of an environmental workhorse that produces no emissions and makes hardly any noise,” Whitehead concluded.
Andreas von Wallfeld said the Fuso eCanter is demonstrating the benefits of electric trucks in real world conditions.
“Fuso eCanters are out there working hard for our customers in many countries, showing that an electric truck from a proven manufacturer is not just a pipe dream, but a viable freight transport solution for cities around the world,” he said.
“We know that Goldstar Transport will be thrilled with this practical, safe and innovative electric truck,” Mr von Wallfeld added.
The Fuso eCanter was the world’s first series production electric truck and is already in operation with leading brands such as Bunnings, Coles, Toohey’s and Australia Post.
Daimler says that the eCanter is the only electric truck in its class to feature active safety features, andcomes standard with Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) and Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), which leading companies and government bodies with a firm focus on health and safety are increasingly demanding for their fleets.
The eCanter uses six liquid-cooled lithium ion batteries mounted in its frame, and storing 82.8kW/h of electricity (with 66kW/h of usable power) and feed a permanent magnet synchronous motor.
Power output is rated at 135kW and 390Nm of torque can be delivered the moment the accelerator pedal is pressed.
Dainler underlined that the eCanter was the subject of a rigorous testing regime around the world, including a six-month Australian test running with a maximum load, in addition to real world driving in overseas markets.
Daimler Truck, the parent brand of Fuso, Mercedes-Benz Trucks and Freightliner vehicles says it has a commitment to ensure that all new trucks and buses in Europe, North America, and Japan are “tank-to-wheel” CO2-neutral by 2039.
Mercedes-Benz Trucks has announced that it will begin local validation trials for its fully electric eActros and eEconic models next year, with an initial batch of six test trucks in Australia and two in New Zealand.
