Marking the first use of all-electric vehicles in Belgium, FedExExpress (FedEx), a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’slargest express transportation company, has announced theintroduction of new zero-emission all-electric Nissan e-NV200vehicles for pickups and deliveries in the areas of Ghent, Brusselsand Antwerp.
For FedEx, reducing the environmental impact of daily carbondioxide emissions from delivery vehicles is central to thecompany’s commitment to connecting the world in more responsibleand resourceful ways.
Five years ahead of target, FedEx met its goal of increasingFedEx Express vehicle fuel efficiency by 30 percent from a 2005baseline by 2020. The company believes it can achieve significantfurther savings and is currently working on a new vehiclesustainability goal.
To reach it, FedEx follows these “3R” measures:
REDUCE: Optimize routing and driving habits to reduce mileage andfuel consumption;
REPLACE:Upgrade/replace vehicles to more efficient ones whereverpossible;
REVOLUTIONIZE:Identify and invest in future technologies such asalternative fuel, hybrid-electric and electronic vehicles.
The introduction of all-electric vehicles is one measure in theFedEx long-term approach to environmental issues. As of 2015, FedExhas 447 hybrid vehicles; 1,176 electric vehicles and 55hydrogen-fueled vehicles globally.
In Belgium, FedEx currently has a total of 150 vehicles and as ofthis month, five zero-emission all-electric Nissan e-NV200vans.
For Erik Uljee, newly-appointed vice president, Ground OperationsBenelux, FedEx Express, the introduction of these all-electric vansin Belgium is one step of a bigger engagement towards reducing itsenvironmental footprint on a local level.