FedEx Express Canada welcomed its first 50 BrightDrop Zevo 600 electric delivery vehicles at an event in Toronto, Ont. in June — a noteworthy shift for the company.
The introduction of electric vans into the FedEx fleet is part of the company’s goal to have all-electric, zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles by 2040. It is also an important indicator of the greater movement of electric vehicles and the ripple effect it is having on a number of sectors.
“Working with companies like BrightDrop that are helping to build these solutions, right here in our own backyard, shows how Canada is helping to bring more sustainable solutions to life across a variety of industries,” said Dean Jamieson, Vice President of Operations at FedEx Express Canada, in a statement.
The Zevo 600s are assembled in Canada — at General Motors CAMI Assembly plant in Ontario. They are powered by GM’s Ultium Platform and are designed for last-mile deliveries. The vehicle’s estimated range is up to 400 kilometres on a full charge.
“To support the new vehicle technology, FedEx is installing charging infrastructure across its Canadian facilities, including the 80 charging stations the company has already installed in these three EV launch markets,” said FedEx Express Canada in a news release.
The electric vans are part of a larger agreement between FedEx and BrightDrop. The 50 EVs will service Toronto, Ont.; Montréal, Qué.; and Surrey, B.C. The company plans to expand its EV fleet footprint to 2,500 total as more charging infrastructure is added at FedEx locations across Canada.
