FUSO eCanter Arrives in UAE, Electrifying Urban Logistics

DUBAI, UAE – January 19, 2026 – The hum of diesel engines in the UAE’s bustling city centers may soon be replaced by the quiet efficiency of electric power, as Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), a Daimler Truck company, officially launched its all-electric eCanter light-duty truck in the United Arab Emirates. The landmark event, held in Dubai with local distribution partner Al Habtoor Motors, marks a significant step in the nation's push towards sustainable commercial transport.

The introduction of the new eCanter, Japan's first mass-produced electric truck, is timed to align perfectly with the UAE's ambitious green agenda. It provides a tangible solution for businesses in logistics, municipal services, and last-mile delivery looking to decarbonize their fleets and reduce their operational footprint.

A Milestone for UAE's Green Ambitions

The arrival of the FUSO eCanter is more than just a new vehicle launch; it's a powerful endorsement of the UAE's national strategy for a sustainable future. The country has set a bold target of achieving Net Zero by 2050, with the electrification of transport being a cornerstone of this vision. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is aiming for 50% of all vehicles on UAE roads to be electric by that same year.

Initiatives like the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030 are already driving change, mandating that 10% of all new vehicle sales be electric or hybrid by the end of the decade. For the commercial sector, the targets are equally ambitious, aiming for a significant portion of trucks and buses to transition away from fossil fuels. The eCanter directly addresses this need, offering a zero-tailpipe-emission solution for the urban core.

Michael Dietz, representing Daimler Truck Middle East Africa, highlighted the strategic timing of the launch. “The launch of the new eCanter in the UAE represents an important step in Daimler Truck’s electrification journey in the Middle East,” he stated. “As cities and businesses increasingly focus on sustainable mobility, the new eCanter offers a practical, zero-emission solution tailored for urban and last-mile operations.”

This move signals a shift from policy to practice, providing fleet operators with a market-ready tool to contribute to cleaner air and quieter streets, aligning their business goals with the nation’s environmental commitments.

The Electric Workhorse: Built for the Modern City

Designed from the ground up for the demands of urban logistics, the new eCanter combines FUSO's legacy of reliability with advanced electric drivetrain technology. Its quiet, emission-free operation makes it ideal for deliveries in residential areas, early-morning operations, and in the growing number of low-emission zones planned for cities.

A key feature of the new-generation model is its modularity. The eCanter is available with three different battery pack options, allowing businesses to tailor the vehicle to their specific needs:
* S-package: Offering a range of up to 70 kilometers, ideal for predictable, short-distance inner-city routes.
* M-package: Providing a balanced range of up to 140 kilometers for more extensive daily operations.
* L-package: Delivering a range of up to 200 kilometers per charge, suitable for demanding logistics that cover a wider urban area.

This flexibility, combined with a variety of available body options, means the eCanter can be configured for everything from refrigerated transport to waste collection and general freight. The truck supports both AC and DC fast charging, minimizing downtime and maximizing operational efficiency. The integration of the motor into the rear axle, a technology FUSO calls the "e-Axle," creates a more compact and efficient drivetrain, contributing to the vehicle's high maneuverability in tight city streets.

Beyond its green credentials, the truck promises a superior experience for drivers, with smooth, instant acceleration and a significant reduction in noise and vibration, leading to less fatigue over a long shift.

A Calculated Entry into a Growing Market

Daimler Truck's decision to bring the eCanter to the UAE is a strategic move to establish a foothold in the Middle East's burgeoning commercial EV market. While the market is still in its early stages, the combination of government support and corporate sustainability goals is creating fertile ground for growth. The eCanter enters a space where competitors are also making moves; Renault Trucks has piloted an electric waste truck, and Daimler's own heavy-duty Mercedes-Benz eActros is already in operation with logistics partners in the region.

Crucial to FUSO's strategy is its long-standing partnership with Al Habtoor Motors. An established and award-winning distributor since 1983, Al Habtoor Motors provides the extensive sales, service, and support network necessary to build customer confidence in a new technology. With a vast network of showrooms and state-of-the-art service centers across the UAE, the distributor is well-equipped to handle the specific needs of electric commercial vehicles.

Furthermore, Al Habtoor Motors has demonstrated its own commitment to e-mobility, having recently partnered to bring electric buses and other passenger EVs to the UAE market. This experience signals to potential eCanter customers that they are investing not just in a truck, but in an ecosystem of support from a partner deeply invested in the country's electric transition.

Overcoming Hurdles: Infrastructure and Economics

For any business considering a switch to electric, two questions are paramount: "Where do I charge?" and "Does it make financial sense?" The UAE is providing increasingly confident answers to both. The concern of "range anxiety" is being systematically addressed through a massive rollout of charging infrastructure. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure reports around 1,200 public chargers are already available, with that number growing rapidly.

ADNOC Distribution's new superfast charging hub on the busy E11 highway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi is a prime example, capable of charging most EVs to 80% in about 20 minutes. This, combined with DEWA's extensive network of over a thousand charging points in Dubai, means that public and en-route charging options are becoming ubiquitous. For commercial fleets that return to a depot, overnight AC charging provides a simple and cost-effective solution.

On the economic front, while the initial purchase price of an electric truck is typically higher than its diesel counterpart, the total cost of ownership (TCO) tells a different story. The UAE government offers a suite of incentives, including reduced registration fees and access to "Green Loan" financing with favorable rates. The most significant savings, however, come from daily operations. Electricity costs are substantially lower than diesel, and with far fewer moving parts, maintenance expenses for an EV are drastically reduced. Over the vehicle's lifespan, these savings can more than offset the initial investment, making the eCanter an economically sound choice for forward-thinking businesses.

With the launch of the eCanter, FUSO and Al Habtoor Motors are not just selling a truck; they are offering a comprehensive solution that aligns with the UAE's economic and environmental trajectory, paving the way for a new era of clean and efficient urban logistics.