FedEx Express will add 10 electric commercial vehicles to its fleet in the UK over the next fewmonths to reduce vehicle emissions with the first state-of-the-art vehicle unveiled this week.
Manufactured by UK-based electric manufacturer Modec, the distinctive zero-tailpipe-emissionvehicles will be the first to join the FedEx Express fleet in the UK and will operate in theGreater London metropolitan area. The vehicles feature a large, removable battery pack and cantravel up to seventy miles on one overnight charge.
FedEx Express said it selected Modec due to the superior performance and handling of itsvehicles, which are ideally suited to the company’s operations in urban environments. Modec focuseson the requirements of stop-start, urban-duty cycles and traffic conditions ensuring quick and easyentry and exit as well as maximising driver comfort and productivity.
“We continue to utilise innovative technology to provide the best possible service to ourcustomers, while at the same time reducing our impact on the environment,” stated Adam Psarianos,vice president, Operations, FedEx Express Northern Europe. “The introduction of these 10 vehiclesto our UK fleet is a smart, strategic investment for FedEx and supports our ongoing efforts tofoster the commercial development of viable new technologies that improve the environmentalperformance of the transportation industry.”
“We are delighted to have this order for ten Modec vehicles from FedEx,” said Jamie Borwick,chairman of Modec. “Operating this fleet of electric vehicles in urban environments is thebest use of technology and proves FedEx is using the right tool for the right job.”
The new vehicles are part of the company’s growing fleet of environmental vehicles. Itincludes more than 170 hybrid electric vehicles worldwide representing the largest hybrid fleet inthe transportation industry. This investment also supports the company’s commitment to improve thefuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 20% and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from its aircraftfleet by 20% per available ton mile by 2020.
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, commented: “It is great that these super zero emissionvehicles will be introduced onto London’s streets. Vehicles such as these help to improve airquality, reduce noise pollution and cut climate change emissions, making the capital cleaner andgreener.”
Last month, FedEx Express also announced that it has achieved ISO (International Organisationfor Standardisation) 14001 2004 certification for environmental management for its facilitieslocated throughout the United Kingdom. The ISO 14001 2004 certification is an internationallyrecognised standard granted to companies that meet a stringent set of demands for environmentalmanagement.
