The future has arrived with the first fully electric transporter, the FUSO eCanter, delivering a hot new EV performance car, the new Audi RS e-tron GT - signalling that traditional vehicle delivery as we know it may never be the same again.

Audi took another major step forward on its path to a more sustainable future recently with an EV first for the Southern Hemisphere. The fully electric Audi RS e-tron GT was delivered to an Audi dealership by New Zealand’s first fully electric car transporter, the “eCanter”.

The e-truck, developed by local Grey Lynn trucking business Carr & Haslam, is a zero-emission transporter that will reduce the carbon footprint of the distribution process.

“Audi wants to be a net-zero carbon emissions company by 2050,” Audi General Manager, Dean Sheed commented.
“By 2025, we will offer more than 20 fully electric, battery-driven cars. A key part of this strategy is for Audi to also reduce the ecological footprint of its fleet and we have a global goal of a 30 percent reduction.

“Being able to use this new, state of the art EV transporter as part of our distribution strategy helps us work towards achieving these goals.”

New Zealand’s first fully electric car transporter

Key facts about the FUSO eCanter:

• The transporter is a single car unit, built on a FUSO eCanter chassis.
• It is built to Carr & Haslam’s design, and caters for low clearance and EV vehicles specifically.
• It can carry EV cars, which tend to be a little heavier than ICE vehicles.
• The range is approximately 125km.
• A diesel engine unit like this uses about 17 litres/100km.
• This is the first EV unit in NZ to deliver vehicles.

The FUSO eCanter was designed and built by Carr & Haslam with the support and assistance of EECA through its low emission vehicles contestable fund.

Carr & Haslam have an extensive track record in car distribution across New Zealand. Director of Carr & Haslam, Chris Carr commented, “We’ve long partnered with Daimler for our heavy trucks, and this FUSO eCanter is the first in what will be an increasing line of EVs in our fleet. We’re really proud to be part of a more sustainable future.”

We watch with interest to see more vehicles – not just EV vehicles - being delivered to their new home by an EV transporter.