In a groundbreaking decision, FedEx Corp. is expanding its fleet to include 1,000 new electric vehicles. The Chanje V8100 medium-duty electric panel vans will be operated by FedEx Express in commercial and residential pick-up and delivery services in California. FedEx is purchasing 100 of the vehicles from Chanje Energy and leasing 900 from Ryder System.

FedEx has been using all-electric vehicles as part of its pickup-and-delivery fleet since 2009. “We believe that wider adoption of alternative fuel, electric and hybrid electric vehicles will play a key role in reducing global emissions, while diversifying and expanding renewable energy solutions,” said Mitch Jackson, FedEx chief sustainability officer. “Our investment in these vehicles is part of our commitment to serving our customers and connecting the world responsibly and resourcefully.”

Manufactured by FDG in Hangzhou, China, and purchased through the company’s subsidiary Chanje Energy Inc., the zero emissions all-electric vans can travel more than 150 miles when fully charged. The trucks have the potential to help FedEx save 2,000 gal. of fuel while eliminating 20 tons of emissions per vehicle each year.

The maximum capacity of the Chanje electric vans is around 6,000 lbs. and 675 cu. ft. of cargo. The vehicles will be configured to match the current shelving, specifications and workflow that FedEx Express delivery drivers use today.

Ryder, the exclusive sales channel, service, and warranty partner for Chanje, will support the electric trucks in the FedEx fleet primarily through its ChoiceLease program. ChoiceLease offerings allow FedEx to choose from preventive, full service and on-demand maintenance.

Ryder views the FedEx decision to field Chanje electric trucks as a means of promoting broader adoption of commercial electric vehicle technology on a large scale by businesses of various sizes in multiple industries.

“We are focused on emerging fleet technologies and working closely with equipment manufacturers and technology providers,” said Chris Nordh, Ryder’s senior director of advanced vehicle technology. “That enables manufacturers and suppliers to springboard into the North American market with the assurance that fleets will have high-quality and cost-effective service for their advanced solutions.”

‘The work truck industry’s continued emphasis on achieving zero emissions with electric commercial vehicles will be the main focus of Green Truck Summit 2019, which will be held in conjunction with the Fleet Technical Congress and The Work Truck Show from March 5–8 in Indianapolis. Green Truck Summit is an annual alternative fuels and advanced technology conference produced by NTEA, The Association for the Work Truck Industry.

“Green Truck Summit provides an opportunity for fleet managers, truck equipment distributors, upfitters and truck dealers to discuss clean energy technologies and fuels,” said Doyle Sumrall, NTEA’s managing director. “Attendees can use the knowledge and resources gained at this event to help minimize negative environmental effects while maximizing vehicle performance, sustainability and efficiency.”

The 2019 Green Truck Summit will begin with a keynote address by Carlton Rose, president of global fleet maintenance and engineering for United Parcel Service (UPS). Sessions at the event will also cover:

• Industry and Government in Flux: Evolving Supply, Technology and Government Positions about changes in advanced fuel and alternative powertrain development, impacts of the changes and how current government positioning will affect the future.
• Truck Electrification: No Longer a Science Project will outline a strategy for successful electric truck deployment, the importance of infrastructure drive and duty cycle matching and operations planning.
• Electric Infrastructure Development will address how electrification of trucks and systems requiring an electric distribution and charging infrastructure is becoming an important limitation to the widespread adoption of battery electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and grid-dependent HEVs.
• The Evolution of Work Trucks into Work Systems will cover new product developments, field deployment and how end users are looking to maximize truck productivity through vehicle connectivity, driver assistance and monitoring, multi-fuel options and electrification.
• Private and Public Funding, Including Incentive Opportunities on the changing face of incentives and how government shifts are impacting new technology deployment.