FedEx increases its hybrid-electric fleet by more than 50%

FedEx steps up its commitment to connect the world in ways that are efficient for the environment by adding 92 more
hybrid-electric trucks. Image sourced from FedEx

John Formisano, vice president, Global Vehicles, FedEx Express said: “FedEx and our suppliers have demonstrated that converted hybrids are a viable, lower-cost option compared to purchasing new hybrids. We now need government incentives to end a Catch-22 situation: Production volumes are low due to high cost, and costs will only come down with higher production volumes.”

To date, the FedEx hybrid-electric fleet has projected a revenue service of more than four million miles, has decreased fuel use by 150,000 gallons and CO2 emissions by 1,521 metric tons, which is comparable to eliminating 279 cars from the road yearly. It also lengthens vehicle life, initiating a reduce-and-reuse program.

The recent hybrid conversion, meanwhile, has generated temporary green jobs for 50 people. The production of hybrid trucks is supported by the incentive funding supplied by the California government.

The acquisition of more fuel-efficient vehicles since 2005 has saved FedEx 45 million gallons of fuel equivalent to 452,573 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Other green efforts by FedEx include the operation of LPG vans in London, the utilization of zero-emission electric vehicles in the UK, the operation of 500 forklifts and 1,600 ground equipment units at airports worldwide, and the delivery of packages using foot and bicycle in New York and London’s West End.

FedEx is a leading company that provides customers and businesses with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce, and business services worldwide. The company has an annual revenue of $35 billion and has 280,000 employees.


- Sunshine T. Santiago

References:

¹ http://www.fedex.com/us/
² http://news.van.fedex.com/files/retrofittrucks.jpg