FedEx Corp. today announced a major milestone for its existing hybrid-electric truck fleet: more than two 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 Dynamics 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.
In 2000, FedEx and EDF began working together to develop the next generation delivery vehicle. Three years later, the two organizations worked with Eaton Corporation and Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation to introduce the first available commercial hybrid delivery truck into service. The project has been recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency, Harvard University and WestSTART-CALSTART for its role in spurring hybrid truck advancements.