FedEx is the first freight carrier to introduce Electric Vehicles in Latin America

FedEx Express, the express delivery branch of US-based FedEx Corp, has announced plans to add six electrically-powered delivery vehicles to its fleet in Brazil, making it the first freight carrier to introduce electric vehicles in Latin America. The vehicles - which will be delivering on the streets of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro from January 2014 - will be able to cover approximately 75 miles on a single charge.

The electrically-powered FedEx Kangoo Maxi ZE -
to be introduced in Brazil in  January 2014.

The introduction of the electric vehicles (EVs) is intended to contribute to FedEx Express' efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. So far, the company has introduced EVs into urban areas in six other countries: USA, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, China. From 2005-12 the introduction of these vehicles into the FedEx fleet has saved approvimately 528,000 gallons of fuel, and with the introduction of the vehicles in Hong Kong also imminent, FedEx have revised its initial energy efficiency goal from 20 to 30 percent improvement by 2020. 

Regional President of FedEx Express, Latin America commentedL "This is a milestone for the Latin American region, and we are excited to provide this type of vehicle to Brazil as part of our efforts to find cleaner, more efficient transportation solutions. We hope to be a catalyst in motivating other companies in the region to develop sustainability programs, as environmental responsibility is such an important part of doing business."

Source: FedEx

Deutsche Post DHL to roll out new electric vehicle fleet in Bonn

By 2016, around 141 electric vehicles will be on the road in and around Bonn, Germany, resulting in decreased CO2 emissions of over 500 tons per year, according to a presentation made this morning by Deutsche Post DHL's CEO, Frank Appel.

The "street scooter": one of the electric vehicles to be rolled out.

The project, whose initial phase will see 79 electric vehicles in service by the end of the current year, will introduce Germany's first "carbon-free vehicle concept" and will support both mail and parcel delivery in the city and its surrounding areas, Deutsche Post DHL have stated.  

"This pilot project is unique worldwide and can serve as a role model for other cities and regions,"  Frank Appel commented. "We operate one of the world's largest vehicle fleets. And because we see the effects of global trade on the environment, we accept responsibility: Alternative drive systems have already been in use in our fleet for years. With about 8,500 vehicles with environmentally friendly drive systems across our operations, we have one of the most efficient fleets in the sector."

Nissan and FedEx Express unveil new e-NV200 all-electric delivery van

Yesterday, Nissan and FedEx Express presented the result of their latest joint venture, the all-electric delivery van, e-NV200. 

Cargo-friendly features

According to the automotive manufacturer, the e-NV200 features a new telematics system,  benefits from smooth acceleration, new power outlets and has enough space to transport cargo in its compact body. 

“As a global fleet operator, FedEx Express is always looking measures to improve the efficiency of its vehicles. (…) We are delighted to collaborate with a global player like Nissan in the development of an urban all-electric delivery van”, said Russell Musgrove, MD of Global Vehicles at FedEx Express.

Image c/o autoguide.com

Nissan to reduce carbon emissions

When developing e-NV200 Nissan primarily focussed on finding a mobility solution for entrepreneurs whilst also featuring components to help save energy and reduce carbon emissions. Tests began back in December 2011 in order to see if the 100% electric vehicle could perform in real-life situations. 

Hideto Murakami, corporate vice president, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd, promised, “the eNV-200 [would] offer all the spaciousness, versatility and practicality of a traditional diesel or gas-powered compact van, but with zero CO2 or other pollutant emissions at the point of use. What’s more, it will provide an outstanding driving experience that is unique to EVs.”

All-electric parcel delivery vans for FedEx Express

By currently operating 130 all-electric vehicles worldwide and more to come in the near future, the courier company, FedEx Express, hopes to decrease its carbon footprint. According to FedEx Express, 80% of its overall goal of increasing the global fleet’s carbon emissions by 20% by 2020 had already been achieved.

Nissan and FedEx have been testing their e-NV200 in London as well as on the roads of Japan and are hoping to expand to Singapore, USA and Brazil by 2013.

Source: news.van.fedex.com