Australia Post has added 20 new electric trucks to its national delivery fleet, joining the existing electric delivery fleet of 2100 smaller vehicles and 1400 bicycles.
The introduction of the Fuso eCanters follows a successful trial of the Diamler-developed truck in 2019.
Susan Mizrahi, Australia Post Chief Sustainability Officer, said the expansion of the fleet was an important part of Australia Post’s Corporate Resposnibility plan and its target to reduce emission by 15 per cent by 2025.
“This is an important milestone for our business. We know that every delivery has a carbon footprint which is why we’re committed to reducing our emissions through growing our electric fleet and increasing our renewable energy production to help power these new vehicles.”
Three of the Fuso eCanters are now delivering parcels to customers in Melbourne, with the remaining 17 to start delivering in major cities from early 2022.
James Dixon, Australia Post General Manager Networks, said the addition of the electric trucks was an exciting step for the organisation.
“We’re very proud to be Australia’s largest electric fleet operator, but up until this point our electric fleet has consisted solely of smaller delivery vehicles that are used for the last-mile.
“We’ve trialled a range of electric trucks previously, but the Fuso eCanter is the first we’ve found that suits both Australian conditions and our unique operational needs.”
The Fuso eCanter is currently the only Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) electric vehicle truck available in Australia and uses the latest technology from Daimler Truck Group.
Daniel Whitehead, Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific President and CEO, said Australia post was the perfect first Australian customer for the eCanter.
“Daimler is thrilled to partner with such an iconic brand as Australia Post on a journey towards carbon neutral freight transportation in Australia.”