Genesis' EV journey

Genesis has broken new ground in the quest for more sustainable businesses by becoming the first company in the Southern Hemisphere to introduce the FUSO eCanter to its fleet. 

As part of its commitment to removing at least 1.2m tonnes of annual carbon emissions from its activities over the next five years, Genesis has introduced the world’s first series-produced fully electric light truck into its fleet. 

Cameron Jardine, Genesis General Manager of LPG and Small and Medium Enterprises, says that as an early adopter, Genesis will pave the way for businesses who wish to do the same. 

“We’re excited by the challenge and the opportunity to apply our experience to help those business customers who may be considering moving to an electric fleet themselves.” 

While there will be a learning curve, Jardine adds that the time is right to increase the proportion of electric of hybrid vehicles in its 110-strong truck fleet. 

“As this is the first series-produced fully electric truck to hit New Zealand roads, we have a lot to learn about how to incorporate electric vehicles into our truck fleet and what other adjustments we will have to make to get the best out of this new technology.” 

Transport contributes around 21% of New Zealand’s gross domestic greenhouse gas emissions and Genesis are using the eCanter, as well as a range of other schemes such as a partnership with an electric car-sharing service, to reduce its transport emissions. 

“We’ve managed to remove the last of the petrol/diesel vehicles from our passenger fleet. And our new Auckland headquarters has no staff carparks, with the company encouraging all staff to use shared transport, public transport and active transport wherever possible,” says Jardine. 

Genesis fleet engineering and reliability manager Brad Phillips discussed the integration of FUSO eCanter into the company's LPG distribution fleet at Fuso New Zealand’s ‘Partnering for a Sustainable Transport Supply Chain’ conference in Wellington. Read more here.