Global express transportation company FedEx has introduced new model e-cargo bikes to work alongside its vehicle pick-up and delivery fleet in Greater London.
Eight electrically assisted four-wheel delivery bikes will now operate from FedEx Express stations London City and Hornsey, where it is envisioned they will replace six conventional diesel vans and avoid an estimated 22,000 kgs of CO2 emissions per year.
E-bike manufacturer, Electric Assisted Vehicles Ltd (EAV), worked with FedEx Express to develop and test the new model e-cargo bikes after it was awarded £150,000 from the Department for Transport under the Freight Innovation Fund programme. The collaboration between manufacturer and operator strives to identify opportunities to increase efficiency in all aspects of last mile delivery.
The e-cargo bikes can carry up to 170kg over 45 miles on a single battery charge. The batteries are recharged via a standard 3-pin plug, meaning the bikes don’t need a custom charging infrastructure solution in the stations.
Rob Peto, Vice President Operations UK, FedEx Express said:
“With these newest e-cargo bikes we further grow our fleet of e-cargo bikes in London, enabling us to deliver to our customers in an efficient and more environmentally conscious way.”
FedEx Express currently operates a total of 34 e-cargo bikes in the UK, complementing its vehicle fleet in Greater London, Glasgow, Cambridge, Huntington, and Norwich where they have replaced diesel vehicles for serving emissions-restricted zones.
In March 2021, FedEx Express announced its goal to electrify its pick-up and delivery fleet globally through a phased procurement approach. By 2025, FedEx has a goal that 50% of newly procured vehicles will be electric, rising to 100% of all new vehicle orders by 2030, with London welcoming the first of FedEx Express UK electric vehicles last year.
