FOTON Mobility Distribution Pty Ltd
17 August 2023, By GoAuto Team
Ready to work electric tipper aims to drive down cost of EV truck ownership
FOTON Mobility has launched its new electric T5 Tipper model in Australia this week, the ready-to-work truck combining what the brand says is “peak sustainability with real-world performance”.
According to Chinese-based Foton, the model’s leading point of difference is its unique-to-EV 3500kg braked towing capacity, which it says makes it a practical alternative for municipalities, landscaping companies, infrastructure support, construction specialists and more.
The Foton T5 Tipper features an Australian-made steel tipper body and is available with a rated GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) of 4500kg for car licence operation, or 6000kg for light rigid licenced operation. Either variant allows towing at full capacity.
Foton’s T5 range begins at $135,000 plus on-road costs.
“We are particularly proud of the T5 EV Tipper, as it combines the positive attributes of going all-electric, while also providing the performance and towing capabilities that are required in the real world,” said Foton Mobility Distribution general manager of light-duty vehicles, Bill Gillespe.
“From a financial standpoint, it makes a lot of sense, as the model allows for a genuinely affordable entry into the EV tipper market, with 20 per cent lower upfront and operational expenditure costs.
“While Foton Mobility Distribution’s EV truck offering is new to Australia, it comes with impressive credentials from markets around the globe.
“Last year alone, Foton led the world in producing over 22,000 new energy commercial vehicles, and with that number continually growing, purchasers can be confident that they are receiving a proven package.
“In the short time that we have been on sale here in Australia, we have claimed leadership in the pure-EV truck sales race, and with the T5 EV Tipper, we are looking to continue that growth.”
Outside of the tipper application, the Foton T5 EV can be configured for practically any final application in the light-duty field.
Mr Gillespe says uptime isn’t compromised for the package, with DC fast charging allowing for full recharging in 1.5 hours, or alternatively, the standard 11kW AC onboard charger can fully recharge the drive battery in just 7.2 hours, allowing for overnight turnarounds.
The T5 EV has a fully loaded range of 180km, while also offering a full safety suite, including a low-speed pedestrian warning system, a comprehensive electronic braking and stability support package, dual SRS airbags, as well as reversing radar and buzzer.
Locally, the Foton T5 will compete with a growing number of competitors, including JAC Auto, Sinotruck, EV Automotive, HDrive and Hyundai.
Mr Gillespie said 80-85 per cent of new energy vehicle (NEV) trucks sold globally are now produced in China, with Foton owning a 52 per cent share of its domestic NEV market in 2022 and planning to sell 150,000 NEVs in 2025.
Between now and early 2025, Foton plans to expand its dealer network, as well as parts and service support, with target locations being Canberra, Gold Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and regional areas of Victoria and New South Wales.
Foton trucks are supported by a nationwide dealer network and are covered by a five-year/200,000-kilometre vehicle warranty, and an eight-year/300,000-kilometre traction battery warranty.
All Foton trucks are backed by 24/7 roadside assistance provided by industry leader NTI Truck Assist.
