In short order, the Foton T5 EV has shot to the top of the all-electric truck sales charts in Australia, ending the 2023 year with a decisive victory in a sign of big things to come.
The local market leadership follows in the footsteps of worldwide success, with Foton being number one in Chinese commercial vehicle sales for 18 straight years, with 2023 seeing the brand's cumulative production exceed 11 million units.
A leading focus for the company has been a concerted push into new energy vehicles, with 2022 production exceeding 22,000 units, which is on track to meet the company's 2025 target of 150,000 units annually.
Locally, the initial electric offering focuses on the Foton T5 EV, with the model available rated to a GVM of 4,500kg for car licence operation, or 6,000kg for light rigid licenced drivers.
A highlight of the T5 EV model is its unique for EV 3,500kg braked towing capacity, making it highly adaptable and capable of seamlessly integrating into fleets.
The T5 EV has a fully loaded range of 180km, while also offering an all-encompassing safety suite, including a Low-Speed Pedestrian Warning System, a comprehensive electronic braking and stability support package, dual SRS airbags, as well as a reversing camera and buzzer.
From a financial perspective, the T5 EV provides fleets with around 20 per cent lower upfront and operational expenditure, with costly diesel no longer required.
"The Foton T5 EV truly hit the ground running this year, with the model's Australian success the start of an exciting array of developments on the horizon," said Bill Gillespie, Foton Mobility Distribution's General Manager of Light Duty Vehicles.
"Australian companies understand the environmental challenge that is ahead of us, and through Foton, they have access to proven technology that performs in the real world.
"This year, we received over 200 orders, while our early deliveries have included industry leaders such as Woolworths, Kings transport and Grace Removals, to name a few.
"For our customers, we have put a concerted effort into developing our partner ecosystem, which features energy supply, charging, leasing, finance, and aftersales support leaders who provide expertise that assists in the EV transition.
"Another highlight of this year has been the launch of our nationwide dealer and service network from Cairns to Perth, with more dealer points soon to be added.
"As for 2024, we won't be resting on our laurels - we continue to work closely with the factory to develop product improvements which are set to be implemented on models globally.
"For customers involved in last mile logistics, local councils, construction, plus infrastructure support, we are looking to continue to grow our offering around the country."
One of the highlights for the T5 EV in 2023 was the introduction of a ready-to-go tipper, featuring an Australian-made steel tipper body, which has already found favour with municipalities and landscaping companies nationwide.
The ready-to-go space for the T5 EV is expected to grow in the future with a range of solutions purpose-made for Australian conditions.
Purchasers of new Foton T5 EV all-electric trucks are being provided with extra peace of mind, with Foton Mobility Distribution announcing a new 8-year/300,000km power battery warranty for the Australian market, which is complemented by a 5-year/200,000km general vehicle warranty.
