UPS to Test Fuel-Cell Vehicles in U.S. Fleet
UPS will test fuel-cell vehicles in its U.S. delivery fleet by the end of 2003 and into 2004, the company announced.
UPS will test fuel-cell vehicles in its U.S. delivery fleet by the end of 2003 and into 2004, the company announced. The delivery giant says the project will be the first use of fuel-cell technology in a commercial delivery fleet in North America. DaimlerChrysler will supply the fuel-cell vehicles to UPS, while the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will supply a hydrogen refueling station at its Ann Arbor facility. The fueling station will be operational by the end of 2003 and will provide compressed hydrogen fuel to the UPS vehicles as well as other fuel-cell vehicles in the area. The first fuel-cell vehicle to be tested by UPS will be a DaimlerChrysler F-Cell, which will be used for early-morning deliveries by late 2003. In 2004, UPS will add one or more fuel-cell-powered Sprinter delivery vans to its fleet. There are currently 2,500 Sprinter vehicles in UPS’s domestic and international fleets. Sprinters normally are powered by a highly fuel-efficient diesel engine and are certified as ultra low emission vehicles under EPA guidelines. UPS is the largest commercial vehicle fleet in the U.S. in Automotive Fleet’s Top 300 Commercial Fleets.
More Operations

90% Use Telematics. Are Fleets Getting Safer? | AF News Recap
This week, we're breaking down which industries have the highest rates, how Jamie McKay manages 2,400 vehicles, what's happening with the 2027 fleet awards, and why software-defined vehicles could introduce new costs.
Read More →
What's Best Handled by an FMC, and What's Better Done Directly?
Fleet managers continue to rely on FMCs for essential services but are taking a closer look at where working directly with suppliers can improve efficiency and responsiveness.
Read More →
Fleet Meets: Erin Gilchrist
Meet Erin Gilchrist, the inaugural Mike Antich Spirit of Fleet Award winner, as she shares insights on leadership, mentorship, the power of industry connections, and why people remain at the heart of fleet's future.
Read More →
How 2026 Fleet Visionary Jamie McKay Manages 2,400 Vehicles Across 37 States
How do you keep 2,400 vehicles running across 37 states? Fleet Visionary Award winner Jamie McKay shares how collaboration, flexibility, and a few simple strategies help her tackle fleet management challenges at Aptive Pest Control.
Read More →
Managing Fleet Costs in an Era of Permanent Volatility
Fleet operating costs have risen more than 20% since 2020, raising a key question: When does extending a vehicle's service life stop making financial sense?
Read More →
The Next Evolution of Fleet Management: Autonomous Operations
This opening keynote session at the Fleet Forward Conference highlights the future of autonomous driving for fleets.
Read More →
How to Reduce the Total Cost of Risk From Catalytic Converter Theft
A stolen catalytic converter can cost fleets far more in downtime and lost productivity than in repairs. A total-cost-of-risk approach can help fleet managers quantify their exposure and prioritize theft prevention.
Read More →
Personal-Use Charges Rise as Vehicle Values Fall | AF News Recap
Personal-use charges are climbing, wholesale used-vehicle values are declining, and commercial fleet sales growth is slowing. This week, we're breaking down the latest fleet data, plus how Element Fleet Management is helping Waymo prepare for its first Canadian robotaxi market.
Read More →
Here's When You Should Make an Exception to Fleet Policy
Fleet policies are designed to create consistency, but not every driver or situation fits neatly within standard rules.
Read More →
AI-Native or AI-Acquired: What Should Fleet Managers Look for in an AI Platform?
Six questions can help fleet managers look beyond AI marketing claims to evaluate integration, data access, and real-world operational performance.
Read More →
