Foton announces EV battery warranty details

FOTON Mobility Distribution has announced details of the battery warranty for its T5 electric truck range this week, the Chinese importer set to offer an eight-year/300,000km power battery warranty on all new, dealer-stock and demonstrator vehicles.

The battery warranty is offered in addition to Foton’s five-year/200,000km vehicle warranty forming a package the company says will bring peace of mind to its Australian customers.

To be eligible for the new power battery warranty, all vehicle servicing is required to be completed according to the owner’s handbook service schedule.

“We are particularly proud of the Foton T5 EV, which has quickly taken a decisive sales lead in the all-electric light truck space,” said Foton Mobility Distribution light duty vehicle general manager, Bill Gillespie.

“Around the world, Foton dominates the alternate fuels space with over 22,000 units produced last year alone, and with this worldwide expertise, we can stand by our products with this extended power battery warranty.

“Looking at the EV market here in Australia, this offering easily exceeds any other similar support available, allowing Foton owners to be sure they are investing in high-quality, yet affordable technology.

“Furthermore, the trucks are backed by a nationwide dealer network from Cairns to Perth, and are supported by 24/7 roadside assistance, as provided by industry leader NTI Truck Assist.”

Mr Gillespie said the Foton T5 EV’s main point of difference is its ability to provide 3500kg of braked towing capacity, making it “highly adaptable, and capable of slotting into more fleet applications seamlessly”.

He said the newly announced T5 EV Tipper adds further flexibility with the model a rated GVM of 4500kg for car licence operation, or 6000kg for light rigid licenced drivers, with either option allowing for towing of 3500kg.

The T5 EV is said to offer approximately 20 per cent lower upfront and operation expenditure costs when compared with diesel-powered rivals.

DC fast charging allows the model to be energised in 1.5 hours, while AC charge times are listed at 7.2 hours (via an 11kW charger), allowing for overnight turnarounds.

The Foton T5 EV has a fully loaded range of 180km and has a low-speed pedestrian warning system, a comprehensive electronic braking and stability support package, dual SRS airbags, as well as a 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. Foton’s T5 range begins at $135,000 plus on-road costs.