FedEx has signed a deal with Azure Dynamics for an additional 51 hybrid delivery vans to bring their total fleet number to 325 hybrid and electric vans in use.
FedEx went to Azure Dynamics to purchase the hybrid delivery van based off of the Ford E450 chassis. Azure Dynamics was recently announced as the company responsible for electrifying the Ford Transit Connect after Smith Electric Vehicles mutually terminated their agreement with Ford to produce the electric version of Ford's compact delivery vehicle.
FedEx will utilize the additional hybrid delivery vehicles throughout the U.S. However, one delivery depot, the Bronx, New York depot, will operate as the companies first all hybrid depot in the U.S.
The hybrid delivery vehicles have several advantages over their diesel powered counterparts. According to FedEx, "With its electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle, and regenerative braking, the FedEx Azure gasoline-electric step-vans are well-suited for the tough start-and-stop conditions endured in the everyday traffic of one of the world's busiest cities. As a result, FedEx expects a fuel efficiency improvement of 30% while also reducing its carbon footprint."
The company will add the newly acquired hybrids from Azure to their existing 25 hybrids in use also supplied by Azure. These hybrids join 92 retrofitted hybrids that are in use by FedEx. The delivery company began using hybrids back in 2004 and to date has accumulated over 4 millions miles under hybrid power.
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