FOTON previews two commercial EVs

FOTON Philippines has brought two new electric commercial vehicles to the first Philippine International Truck Show, with one intended for refrigerated deliveries and the other for businesses that need a light-duty cargo truck.

The vehicles were among FOTON’s exhibits at the inaugural Philippine International Truck Show, held from 22 to 24 October at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The company also displayed its existing electric trucks and vans, along with charging and after-sales support for fleet owners.

One of the new models is the TransVan i9 EV Cold Chain Van. It is designed to carry goods that must be kept at controlled temperatures during transport.

Such vehicles are used by food distributors and supermarkets, as well as pharmaceutical businesses that need to protect sensitive products between warehouses and delivery points.

The other preview is the Tornado 3.3 EV, a light-duty electric truck meant to carry larger cargo loads. FOTON is positioning it for distributors and logistics operators that need more cargo capacity than a delivery van can provide.

Both vehicles broaden the types of work that electric commercial vehicles can handle. FOTON, however, did not provide pricing or driving-range figures for the two models in its event announcement.

Visitors can also see the EST 6x4 Tractor Head EV, which brings battery-electric power to heavy-duty hauling. It is one of the larger vehicles on display and serves a different market from the vans normally associated with electric deliveries.

At the smaller end of the range is the TransVan i7 EV Cargo. This van is intended for goods delivery, particularly on regular routes in urban areas. It joins the two previews to give visitors a look at how FOTON is applying electric power across different types of commercial transport.

The vehicles are only part of the exhibit. FOTON has also put together an EV Mobility Hub to explain what owners need after purchasing an electric truck or van. The display covers charging options and the technical service required to maintain electric commercial vehicles. It also addresses spare parts support.

A delivery truck that cannot be charged when needed or repaired promptly can disrupt schedules regardless of its powertrain. Fleet owners therefore have to consider where a vehicle can be charged and how it will be serviced.

They will also need to compare driving range and charging time with their regular delivery schedules before deciding if electric vehicles make financial sense for their operations.

Apart from the exhibit, FOTON is promoting a financing program for selected vehicles. Its zero percent Interest Deals offer qualified buyers interest-free financing for up to 48 months, with down payments of 20 to 50 percent. Approval and final terms depend on participating financing partners.

The program is intended for customers who want to acquire vehicles or add to their existing fleets. FOTON is aiming it particularly at small businesses and logistics operators, where the amount of cash needed upfront can affect purchasing decisions.

The inaugural Philippine International Truck Show brought together commercial vehicle manufacturers and other industry participants. FOTON used the three-day event to present its electric vehicle lineup and the support services available to businesses considering a switch to electric fleets.