Tornado EV takes 2023 Foton Big Show by storm

The Foton Big Show 2023 which commenced on February 10 to 13, 2023, saw three new models launched for the Philippine market. The most notable of these is the new Foton 3.6 Tornado fully-electric light-duty truck. The two other that debuted at the event was the new Harrabas Miler, and the refreshed Traveller 2.0.  

The 2023 Foton Tornado 3.6 EV

Out of the three new Foton models, the Tornado 3.6 EV is undoubtedly the star of the show. This is because this truck is the first-ever fully-electric light-duty truck currently available in the local market.  

This represents a big step for the brand in providing a more sustainable and environmentally friendlier logistics solution for local businesses. It also signifies the brand’s commitment to clean and green mobility.  

Propelling the Tornado electric vehicle (EV) is a permanent magnet synchronous motor that’s paired with an 81.14 kWh liquid-cooled lithium iron phosphate battery. This EV powertrain can then generate up to 153 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque. It also has a range of around 208 kilometers.  

The Tornado 3.6 EV also gets side fairings, as well as blue-colored exterior trim pieces

Thanks to those, the Tornado 3.6 EV can achieve a zero to 50 km/h time of nine seconds, according to Foton. It also has a maximum speed of 90 km/h, and its carrying capacity is rated at 2.1 tons.  

Step inside the Foton Tornado 3.6 EV and you’ll find a cabin that looks similar to the regular Tornado truck. But it then gets a digital gauge cluster that displays its battery status and available range.  

Also present on the said model is a knob-type gear selector, which is unique to this Tornado variant. Likewise available are manual air-conditioning, reverse sensors, central locking, an auto-adjusting brake clearance system, and anti-lock braking, among others.  

A peek inside the Tornado 3.6 EV's front cabin

Pricing for the 2023 Foton Tornado 3.6 EV starts at Php 3,600,000. That’s for the cab & chassis variant. For the closed van configuration, one has to fork over an additional Php 275,000 bringing its price up to Php 3,875,000.  

Note that the Foton Tornado 3.6 EV also comes with a five-year, or 200,000-kilometer (whichever comes first) warranty.  

There were two other new models launched at the 2023 Foton Big Show. As mentioned above, there’s the Foton Traveller 2.0 which gets a refreshed front fascia, as well as a re-arranged interior that features more space.  

The 2023 Foton Traveller 2.0

At the most, this updated van can seat up to 16 occupants. It is then powered by the new 2.0-liter Aucan diesel engine. Note that this is the same diesel four-banger found on the new 2023 Foton Thunder pickup truck.  

At the most, the Traveller 2.0’s engine can make up to 160 horsepower and 380 Nm of torque. It is then paired with a six-speed manual gearbox. The price for the Traveller 2.0 then starts at Php 1,530,000. 

The third model to debut at the 2023 Foton Big show is the new Harabas Miler. This is the extended wheelbase version of the said model. It gets a new exterior appearance which includes a windbreaker, LED daytime running lamps, LED signal lamps, and additional chrome trim pieces for the interior.  

The Foton Harabas Miler 

This commercial vehicle then comes with a cargo capacity of 1.9 tons. Powering the Harabas Miler is a 2.5-liter turbodiesel engine that can generate up to 129 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. The engine is then linked to a five-speed manual gearbox.  

The 2023 Foton Harabas Miler is sold at a standard retail price of Php 1,160,000. 

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