FedEx Express Europe, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp, is taking significant steps to promote eco-friendly parcel pickup and deliveries. It had employed 23 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric vehicles in its UK operations.
The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter is a 3.5-ton fully electric. 23 of these vans were allocated to FedEx Express stations in Bermondsey (comprising 19 vans) and Hornsey (featuring four vans). They’re ideal to serve routes in central London, making them exceptionally suited for operating within the capital’s Ultra Low Emissions Zones (ULEZ).
The ULEZ is a designated zone within London, England, where a charge is imposed on road vehicles that do not meet specified emissions standards. London Mayor Boris Johnson unveiled plans for the ULEZ in March 2015, with the zone implemented in September 2020.
Greener pastures
Proactive measures have been taken to streamline the rollout of the EVs. Earlier this year, 19 charging points were installed to cater to the electric vehicles stationed in Bermondsey. Meanwhile, Hornsey saw the installation of 20 charging points, a move made in anticipation of the site’s future energy requirements.
Notably, both locations are powered by renewable energy sources and possess ample capacity to charge the maximum number of vehicles on-site overnight.
Robert Peto, the vice president of operations UK at FedEx Express, welcomed the initiative and said, “Our employees and customers alike are excited to see the first of these vehicles out and about in London, making zero-tailpipe emissions parcel pickup and deliveries more commonplace for us as we gradually electrify our FedEx-owned pickup and delivery fleet in Europe.”
FedEx Express moving toward sustainability
FedEx Express has been committed to sustainability and emissions reduction for some time. In March 2021, the company set a global target aiming for 50% of all newly-procured parcel pickup and delivery vehicles to be electric by 2025.
This commitment will escalate further to achieve 100% electric vehicle procurement for new vehicle orders by 2030. These initiatives are all part of FedEx’s broader mission to reach carbon-neutral operations worldwide by 2040.
In alignment with FedEx’s ‘reduce, replace, revolutionize’ approach to sustainability, introducing these new electric vehicles enables the redistribution of existing FedEx diesel vehicles. These vehicles still have an “operational lifespan” within the fleet. Additionally, older vehicles that no longer meet operational requirements will be retired.
FedEx Express stations in Barking, Enfield, and Milton are slated to receive electric vehicles in 2024, with plans for an expanded charging infrastructure across three more pickup and delivery stations in and around London.
Electric vans in Australia
Australian businesses have recently been introducing more electric delivery vans into their fleets. In August, Coles, the well-known supermarket chain, introduced its latest enhancement to its delivery fleet—an electric delivery van named ‘Sparky’. This aligns with its target to slash emissions by over 75% within the next seven years.
Most recently, BMW Group Australia employed an LDV eDeliver 9 electric van for deliveries. It is branded in BMW’s distinctive brand. Its primary mission is to transport BMW parts and accessories to designated locations across the Sydney metropolitan area, including accredited BMW bodyshops.
About the author
Marce has contributed tech to various prominent publications since 2018, offering a transparent perspective into the tech industry and its effects on its users. She now spends her time developing insightful content for industry players. You know, when she's not gaming or geeking out about the latest fad.
