MEMPHIS, TN – FedEx Corp hit a major milestone for its existing hybrid-electric truck fleet: more than 2 million miles of revenue service. The hybrid trucks improve fuel economy by 42 percent, reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 30 percent, and cut particulate pollution by 96 percent. FedEx is also expanding its commitment to clean-vehicle technology by placing an additional 75 hybrid vehicles into service in the United States and Europe.
FedEx will now operate more than 170 hybrid vehicles around the globe, including the largest fleet of commercial hybrid trucks in North America, which comprise nearly one-third of the deployed North American hybrid market.
First in its industry to introduce hybrid vans into its fleet, FedEx now works with a diverse group of manufacturers, including Eaton Corporation, Isuzu, and Iveco. FedEx will also purchase 20 vehicles that use an Azure Dynamic hybrid system and Ford gasoline engine and chassis, representing one of the first gasoline hybrid-electric delivery trucks in commercial use.
“Two million miles of FedEx service is a significant milestone for hybrid vehicles,” said Mitch Jackson, director of Environmental Affairs and Sustainability, FedEx Corp. “FedEx continues to work to advance clean truck technology. We now need the collective leadership of business, nonprofits, and government to make cleaner delivery vehicle technology widely available. It’s time for the truck manufacturing industry to create its version of the Prius: clean, affordable, and widely available for truck fleets.”
John Formisano, vice president of Global Vehicles, FedEx Express, said, “FedEx has been very happy with the operational and environmental performance of the FedEx hybrids. We continue to look for opportunities to introduce more fuel-efficient vehicle models, including hybrids, into our fleet.”
Today’s developments are the latest steps in the ongoing efforts by FedEx and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) to support the clean technology truck market, which has grown to include more than 30 fleets in North America. FedEx and EDF have worked together to encourage more companies to purchase and develop clean-technology trucks. FedEx and EDF have also been advocates for additional government incentives at the national, state, and local levels to offset the higher capital costs of cleaner vehicles while the market is developing.
FedEx is the only transportation company to publicly call for fuel efficiency standards for commercial medium and heavy duty truck classes that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce fuel consumption. The company has also championed the need for a small, fuel efficient engine for application in hybrid vehicles following the 2007 EPA federal engine standard.
Twenty FedEx hybrids using Azure Dynamics hybrid technology and a Ford E-450 chassis and gasoline engine will be placed into service in Los Angeles (15 vehicles) and Sacramento (five vehicles). Ten Iveco hybrid-electric “daily-model” vans with Iveco diesel engines and hybrid systems will begin to deliver packages on routes in Europe. Forty-five FedEx hybrid-electric vans with the Eaton Corporation hybrid system will be stationed in New York City.
FedEx Ground has also announced plans to test a hybrid hydraulic technology with Parker Hannifin Corporation on a heavier-class vehicle (Class 6).
