With electrified vehicles grabbing the headlines and fast becoming the talk of the town, it should be no surprise that commercial vehicles would soon follow suit.
Foton Motor Philippines fully intends to be at the forefront of electrified commercial vehicles as it puts the spotlight on the groundbreaking new Foton Tornado EV electric truck.
In celebration of its 16th anniversary in the Philippine market, Foton Motor Philippines Incorporated introduces the first-ever all-electric light-duty truck in the country: the Tornado EV.
“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,” said Foton Philippines General Manager Levy Santos.
Like the latest electric vehicles, the Foton Tornado EV 4×2 utilizes a permanent magnet synchronous motor with peak outputs of 154 horsepower and 300 Newton-meters of torque, enough to accelerate the electric truck from zero to 50 km/h in just 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 90 km/h. Driving range on a full charge is 208 kilometers (using the global WLTP standards) while charging may be done via AC or DC charger (2-4 hours on DC and 12 hours on AC from 20% to 100% charge).
The braking system is traditional hydraulic for ease of maintenance and repairs. The truck’s gradeability—the steepest hill a truck can climb using maximum torque at the lowest gear—is an impressive 20 percent.
The Foton Tornado EV has a GVW of 6,000 kilograms 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.
Comfort, convenience, and safety features include ABS, EBD, an air conditioning system, multimedia (MP3/Aux/USB) audio system, adjustable steering wheel, power windows, central locking with remote key, reverse sensor, among many others.
“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.
Foton’s new GM, who is a veteran executive with the company, also described the aim of the brand to shift Filipino businesses to achieving a zero-cost strategy on fuel, more efficient logistics, reduced operating costs, and increased environmental awareness, while enjoying accessible charging opportunities and excellent aftersales services.
Building on its strengths year on year for the last 16 years and counting, Foton Motor Philippines has established itself as one of the best selling automotive brands in the country and a leader 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.
The new Tornado EV cab and chassis is priced at P3.6 million.
