FedEx Express has expanded its fleet of alternative-energy vehicles in France with theintroduction of five new electric commercial trucks manufactured by Modec for use in Paris to
reduce its environmental impact.These state-of-the-art trucks optimised for electric operation will take to the roads of Parisat the end of May 2010, joining more than 1,800 alternative-energy vehicles already in use at FedExlocations around the world. These include ten electric parcel delivery vehicles already introducedin London, four in Paris and four coming to the United States.
“In 2004, we were the first global company to invest in hybrid-electric commercial trucks, andnow we’re continuing our introduction of even cleaner, all-electric parcel delivery trucks. We’remaking these investments, and invite others to join us, so that together we can speed thetransition to a cleaner transportation system,” said David J. Bronczek, president and CEO, FedExExpress.
The new Modec vehicles, which have been heralded as the future of urban vehicle manufacturing,are designed specifically for commercial operation in urban environments, making the vehicle quickand easy to enter and exit, and maximising driver comfort and productivity. Modec vehicles featurea large, removable battery pack and can travel more than 90 km on one overnight charge.
The integration of the Modec vehicles into the French fleet is part of FedEx pledge to improvethe fuel efficiency of its vehicle fleet by 20% and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from itsaircraft fleet by 20% per available ton mile by 2020.
In Paris, FedEx already runs three state-of-the-art Iveco hybrid vehicles and four electricvehicles. The four electric vehicles include one Goupil electric utility vehicle and threeelectrically assisted tricycles in the centre of the city in partnership with Urban Cab, Paris’leader in 100% ecological passenger transportation. FedEx has also more than 320 LPG andelectric-powered ground support units in use, mainly at its European hub in Paris Charles de Gaulle(CDG) airport.
“Even if electric trucks are still in their infancy, we think they have a bright future in themix of alternative energy vehicles. We are delighted to welcome the first five FedEx-brandedelectric Modec vehicles in operation in Paris. The vehicles offer a perfect solution for urbandelivery operations, where the potential to cut emissions is impressive, and businesses like FedExand Modec are leading the way in this field,” said Alain Chaillé, vice president Operations, FedExExpress Southern Europe. “I feel that these vans will meet both the practical needs of ourcustomers and the need to operate in a sustainable manner.”
FedEx is working to achieve these ambitious goals through EarthSmart, its new sustainabilityprogramme for operating in an increasingly sustainable way and engaging team members, customers andbusiness partners.
