UPS has announced it is to introduce three medium-duty electric trucks from Daimler Trucks Fuso brand, called the eCanter, into its fleet making it the first commercial customer in the US to do so. The trucks add to the delivery specialist’s 8,500 plus alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.
“At UPS, we constantly evaluate and deploy advanced technologies that enable sustainable, innovative solutions for our fleet,” said Carlton Rose, president, global fleet maintenance & engineering, UPS. “Electric trucks make our fleet both cleaner and quieter. We have a long-standing global relationship with Daimler, and we welcome the opportunity to trial the Fuso eCanter as UPS continues to realize the benefits of electric trucks.”
The new truck is targeted for inner-city distribution use with a range of approximately 62 miles and a load capacity of two to three tons – depending on body and usage. The vehicle’s electric powertrain contains six high voltage lithium ion battery packs with 420 V and 13.8 kWh each. In comparison with a conventional diesel truck, Daimler says it offers savings of more than $1,000 in operating costs for approximately every 6,200 miles.
The three FUSO eCanter vehicles join the more than 770 electric or hybrid electric vehicles UPS operates in urban cities around the world. UPS recently set a goal that by 2020 one in four vehicles purchased annually will use alternative fuels or advanced technology and has invested more than $750 million in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations globally since 2009.
Image credit: UPS
