Foton Mobility Distribution (FMD) is reinforcing its leadership in Australia’s zero-emission transport sector with an expanded range of electric trucks set to hit the market in 2025.
Off the back of its market-leading position in light-duty EV truck sales in 2023 and 2024, FMD will introduce new 8.5-tonne and 18-tonne variants to broaden its offering and meet growing demand across multiple freight sectors.
Leading by Example
FMD, the exclusive distributor for all Foton zero-emission trucks and buses in Australia, is already making significant inroads with major customers. A recent order for 126 Foton EV city buses for Transport for NSW highlights its capability in the bus market, while the operation of a 32-tonne Foton EV Concrete Agitator truck by Holcim Concrete on the Byford Rail Extension Project demonstrates the versatility and potential of heavy electric vehicles.
These projects are helping drive emissions and noise reductions across the transport sector and demonstrate Foton’s leadership in sustainable transport.
Strengthened Corporate Structure
In a move to drive the business forward, FMD CEO and Founder Neil Wang has reacquired a 50 percent shareholding in the company, partnering with seasoned bus industry leader Scott Riley. All Foton automotive brands now fall under the KRW Motor Group umbrella across Australia and New Zealand.
Scott Riley, now an FMD Board Director, brings decades of public transport experience to the business, having founded and built North Sydney Bus Charter—Australia’s largest charter bus operator at the time of its sale in 2023.
“With Neil’s undoubted enthusiasm for the zero-emissions transition, and my experience founding, building and running a 250-bus fleet, I believe together we can elevate the customer experience to new heights,” said Mr Riley.
Success in Light-Duty Segment
The Foton T5 EV truck has been a standout performer for FMD, securing major corporate customers such as Woolworths, Bunnings, and Ausgrid.
“We had the 4.5-tonne GVM, which a lot of companies haven’t been able to bring here, and that’s the biggest segment of the light truck market,” said CEO Neil Wang.
Its flexibility is a key selling point. The T5 EV can be configured with a tipper body and upgraded to six tonnes, or fitted with a Pantech, refrigerated body, or alloy tray. It offers a GCM of eight tonnes and can tow up to 3.5 tonnes—all while being operable on a standard car licence, making it ideal for last-mile delivery operators.
With Woolworths targeting 100% electric home delivery trucks by 2030, the T5 EV is well positioned to support Australia’s transition to zero-emission logistics.
Expanding the Range
Globally, Foton produces around 700,000 vehicles per year, with over 20,000 being ‘new energy commercial vehicles.’ The manufacturer is targeting 90,000 new energy vehicle sales annually by 2030, providing Australia with a growing portfolio to draw from.
Looking ahead, FMD will bring two new EV truck models to Australia in 2025:
- 18-tonne EV Truck
Arriving in September 2025, this all-new model will be available in two wheelbase options (4500mm and 5400mm) and powered by a 281 kWh CATL battery. Designed to fill a significant gap in the medium-duty EV segment, this truck is suitable for a wide range of urban and regional transport tasks. Trials with major operators will begin in Q4 2025. - 8.5-tonne EV Truck
Launching later in 2025, this variant will serve customers needing light-duty trucks above 4.5 tonnes—common in construction, delivery, and general freight applications. Customer interest is already strong, particularly from major last-mile companies and electricity infrastructure operators.
Foton Mobility Distribution: Driving the Transition
FMD continues to lead the charge in Australia’s transition to zero-emission transport. It was the first company to commission a commercial hydrogen city bus in Australia in 2021, using a fuel cell developed by Toyota, SinoHytec, and Foton.
The company actively partners with hydrogen producers and remains committed to exploring both battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell options for the future.
As the Australian market accelerates toward decarbonisation, Foton’s growing EV truck portfolio offers fleet operators more choice than ever before.
