FOR its 16th anniversary in the country, Foton Motor Philippines, Inc. (FMPI) introduced what could be the country’s first light-duty electric truck, the Tornado EV, which is priced at P3.6M.
The Foton Tornado EV 4×2 utilizes a permanent magnet synchronous motor with peak outputs of 154 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. With a driving range of 208 kilometers, the truck can do in-city deliveries with its one ton payload. The motor provides ample acceleration, according to Foton, enough to accelerate from zero to 50 km/h in just 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 90 km/h. More impressive though is the truck’s gradeability–the steepest hill a truck can climb using maximum torque at the lowest gear–is at 20 percent.
Charging may be done via AC filling up for 12 hours on AC from 20 percent to 100 percent charge) or via a high capacity DC charger in 2-4 hours.
Foton Motor PH displayed the EV truck at the return of its Big Show event, and fully intends to be at the forefront of electrified commercial vehicles.
“Foton Motor Philippines has always strived to be at the forefront of mobility solutions. We were the first Chinese automotive brand to break into the Top 10 in the Philippine market–way before other Chinese brands even entered the country. And now, we’ve rolled out yet another game-changer in the Foton Tornado EV,” Foton Philippines General Manager Levy Santos said at the Big Show launch.
The Foton Tornado EV weighs in at 6,000 kilograms (GVW) with a load mass of 3,600 kilograms and a curb weight of 2,400 kilograms. It measures 5,960 x 1.925 x 2,260 mm on a 3,360 mm wheelbase. It is stopped using a traditional hydraulic system for ease of maintenance and repairs. Safety features include ABS, EBD, central locking with remote key, reverse sensor as standard. Comfort, convenience is provided by a built-in air conditioning system, multimedia (MP3/Aux/USB) audio system, adjustable steering wheel, and power windows.
“We’re doubly excited that this state-of-the-art all-electric truck will be making its debut at our Foton’s Big Show, which has always been a favorite event of truck enthusiasts and users alike, generating record orders from small to large business entrepreneurs, year in and year out,” he added.
Santos was only recently appointed Foton’s GM. He is a veteran executive with the company. Santos believes that to shift Filipino businesses to achieving a zero-cost strategy on fuel, more efficient logistics, reduced operating costs, and increased environmental awareness, will be very important to brands seeking sustainability. And Foton will be there as the demands are increasing.
For 16 years Foton Motor Philippines has established itself as one of the leaders in the commercial vehicle industry. Its line-up of passenger vehicles, modern public transport, light-, medium-, heavy-duty trucks, and heavy equipment has helped them forge partnerships with huge local, regional, and multinational companies like J&T Express, Shopee Philippines, YTO Express, Coca-Cola, Arrow Go Express, GoGo Xpress, San Jose Del Monte, and the Province of Pampanga.
