FedEx Express and vehicle manufacturer Modec recently rolled out ten new state-of-the-art electriccommercial vehicles for use in the United Kingdom.
The vehicles, which have been heralded as the future of urban vehicle manufacturing, aredesigned specifically for commercial operation in urban environments, making the vehicle quick andeasy to enter and exit, and maximizing driver comfort and productivity. Based in London, thevehicles will travel an average of 13,725 miles in a year.
Each vehicle is branded with the FedEx EarthSmart logo, communicating the FedEx commitment toconnecting the world in responsible and resourceful ways through industry-leading innovations thatare more efficient and better for the environment.
The integration of the Modec vehicle into the UK fleet is part of a FedEx pledge to improvethe fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 20% and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from itsaircraft fleet by 20 percent per available ton mile by 2020.
With 264 hybrid vehicles around the globe, FedEx operates the largest hybrid electriccommercial fleet in the express transportation industry and already operates 38 liquefied petroleumgas Mercedes Sprinter vehicles in the greater London metropolitan area. In Europe, FedEx iscurrently operating hybrid-electric vehicles in Italy and France.
Modec vehicles feature a large, removable battery pack and can travel more than 60 miles onone overnight charge. With zero tailpipe emissions, the vehicles will save around 11 tonnes of CO2a year compared to a similar weight diesel vehicle.
“We are committed to practical investments in technology and innovation to minimize ourimpact on the environment,” said Adam Psarianos, vice president, Operations, FedEx Express NorthernEurope. “I feel that these vans will meet both the practical needs of our customers and the need tooperate in a sustainable manner.”
Mark Gordon, senior manager, Operations, FedEx Express UK, said: “The couriers have praisedthe vans for their comfort and ease of use and are really proud to play their part in anenvironmentally-responsible manner.”
“We are delighted to see the first ten FedEx branded Modec vehicles in operation,” said JamieBorwick, chairman of Modec. “Electric Modec vehicles are perfect for urban deliveryoperations, where the potential to cut emissions is huge, and businesses like FedEx are leading theway in this field.”
