EVwire brief: Chinese electric truck maker SuperPanther has begun placing its eTopas 600 electric truck into commercial service across Europe.
The first trucks rolled out from Steyr Automotive's assembly facility in Austria on July 27 and have been assigned to customers including DHL Freight, Gress Speditions GmbH, Temmel GmbH, and LONTEX GROUP Sp. z o.o. The vehicles are expected to enter freight operations in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
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The eTopas 600 is designed for long-haul freight applications with a claimed driving range of up to 600 kilometers (373 miles). SuperPanther estimates average energy consumption at approximately 0.94 kWh per kilometer, while dual CCS2 fast charging can replenish the battery from 20% to 80% in less than 38 minutes.
With a claimed driving range of up to 600 kilometers (373 miles), the eTopas 600 should be capable enough for most European routes. (Source)
Discussing the company's European strategy, SuperPanther founder and CEO Chao Liu said the company aims to combine its electric truck technology with local manufacturing and service capabilities rather than simply exporting vehicles into the region.
Europe doesn't need another imported truck. It needs another industrial partner. By combining our technology platform with European manufacturing, validation and service capabilities, we are building a European product together with Europe.
The eTopas 600 trucks are fitted with badges from both SuperPanther and Steyr Automotive. (Source)
DHL Freight noted that it was looking forward to testing out the electric truck in its operations.
“Proud to be among the first customers putting these vehicles to work in real-world operations. Looking forward to the road ahead!"
Final assembly, commissioning and quality inspections are being carried out by Steyr Automotive, which manufactures the trucks in Austria.
Here's SuperPanther's announcement on LinkedIn:
Context:
Europe's electric long-haul trucking market has continued gaining momentum as fleets begin placing larger battery-electric truck orders and manufacturers expand their commercial presence.
Earlier this month, Swedish logistics company Wibax ordered 105 Scania electric trucks, one of the region's largest battery-electric heavy truck purchases to date. Tesla has also posted a Tesla Semi Sales Advisor job listing in Munich as part of its preparations for the eventual launch of the Class 8 electric truck in Europe.
Source: SuperPanther on LinkedIn
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