In celebration of its 16th anniversary in the Philippine market, Foton Motor Philippines Incorporated (FMPI) introduced the first-ever all-electric light-duty truck in the country — the Tornado EV — at the Foton Big Show 2023.
“Last 2018, in conformity with the Clean Air Act, Foton launched its EURO 4-compliant line of light- to heavy-duty trucks donning the Blue Energy badge. This time, Foton is taking it another step further with the introduction of our fully electric light-duty truck, the Foton Tornado EV. I believe that this will not only be a milestone for Foton Philippines, but for the country as well, as it is the first-ever electric truck in the Philippines,” Foton Motor Philippines Chairman Rommel Sytin said in a speech.
(L to R) Foton Motor Philippines Chairman Rommel Sytin and Foton General Manager Levy Santos show Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian the amenities of the Foton Tornado EV – the first EV light commercial vehicle launched in the country. | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
“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.
Similar to other EVs, the Foton Tornado EV 4×2 utilizes a permanent magnet synchronous motor with a peak output of 154HP and 300Nm of torque. This is enough power to propel the truck from zero to 50 km/h in just 9 seconds and reach a top speed of 90 km/h. On a full charge, the driving range is 208 kilometers (using the global WLTP standards). Charging can be done via AC or DC charger (2-4 hours on DC and 12 hours on AC from 20% to 100% charge).
The Tornado EV uses a hydraulic braking system 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 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.
The new Foton Tornado EV’ chassis | Photo by Mika Fernandez-David
Comfort, convenience, and safety features include ABS, EBD, air conditioning system, multimedia audio system with MP3/Aux/USB connectivity, adjustable steering wheel, power windows, central locking with remote key, and 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,” Santos 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, Foton Motor Philippines become 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 the company 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.
Foton passenger vehicles fresh from the assembly line | Photo by Mika Fernandez David
Aside from the Tornado EV, Foton has other vehicles in its stable:
The all-new Foton Thunder 2.0 pickup that is available with manual or automatic transmission, in 4×2 or 4×4 is perfect for driving on both city streets for urban dwellers or conquering challenging terrain for the adventurous types.
The Foton Traveller 2.0
The new and fuel-efficient 16-seater Foton Traveller X, on the other hand, is ideal for long drives with friends and family with its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and smooth and refined diesel engine.
For those who want even more space, the Foton Traveller XL, can be configured as a business and corporate shuttle service or school bus with its generous array of safety and comfort features that will allow all passengers to enjoy a smooth and relaxing ride.
The Foton Harabas Miler
The newest addition to the Foton Harabas range is the Harabas Miler. The Harabas Miler is powered by a fuel-efficient 2.5-liter turbocharged 186/320 Nm diesel engine that is mated to a German-designed ZF 5-speed manual transmission enabling numerous items to be transported effortlessly and efficiently. It also boasts of a high-strength frame and steel plate chassis to meet the requirements of businesses whatever they may be.
The popular, affordable, and extremely versatile Foton Gratour MT, meanwhile, empowers just about any type of business enterprise, with its wide variety of body styles that can be tailor-fit for any commercial application.
The company’s Class 2 and Class 3 Modern Jeepneys, the F29 and F-Jeepney, respectively, are also sought-after choices by local transport cooperatives.
The Foton Tornado EV
Foton’s light- and medium-duty trucks are represented by the expansive Tornado range, with a dazzling array of body configurations in different payloads.
For truly heavy-duty cargo-carrying and transportation, Foton’s rugged and highly dependable Blue Energy-powered EST and GTL heavy trucks always deliver, giving business owners minimum stress and maximum profits.
“We are thrilled by the strong response by the public to our world-class commercial vehicles at the Foton’s Big Show last month. Visitors were able to experience first-hand the advanced technology and world-class quality of Foton trucks and heavy equipment—attributes they will always find when they visit any Foton dealership,” declared Santos.
For more information about Foton Philippines, visit www.foton.com.ph/.