Electric vehicles to help with Christmas deliveries

Australia Post has welcomed the first of 20 electric trucks to its national delivery fleet, with three Fuso eCanters now delivering parcels to customers in Melbourne ahead of Christmas.

The eCanter adds to Australia Post’s existing electric delivery fleet of more than 2100 electric delivery vehicles and 1400 electric bicycles, and follows the successful trial of the Daimler-developed truck in late 2019.

James Dixon, Australia Post General Manager Networks, said, “We’ve trialled a range of electric trucks previously, but the Fuso eCanter is the first we’ve found that suits both Australian conditions and our unique operational needs.”

Australia Post Chief Sustainability Officer Susan Mizrahi said expanding the current electric fleet was an important part of Australia Post’s 2020–22 Corporate Responsibility plan and its science-based target to reduce emissions by 15% by 2025.

“This is an important milestone for our business. We know that every delivery has a carbon footprint which is why we’re committed to reducing our emissions through growing our electric fleet and increasing our renewable energy production to help power these new vehicles,” Mizrahi said.

The Fuso eCanter is the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) electric truck available in Australia and uses the latest technology from the Daimler Truck group.

The remaining 17 eCanters will hit the streets delivering in major capital cities from early 2022, with the rollout of the new vehicles supported by Australia Post Fleet Management Provider SG Fleet.

Australia Post is currently two-thirds of the way through its 2020-22 Group Corporate Responsibility Plan, Everyone Matters: Our plan for inclusive and sustainable prosperity.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/ymgerman