UPS says it is working with UK-based technology firm, Arrival to develop a pilot fleet of 35 electric delivery vehicles to be trialled in London and Paris.
The lightweight composite vehicles have a battery range of more than 150 miles (240 kilometres).
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“UPS is working with Arrival in the UK because their electric vehicles are helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuel,” said UPS director for automotive engineering, Luke Wake. “This is a collaboration that helps UPS develop new ways to reduce our emissions.
“UPS is marshalling its global scale to encourage innovation within the automotive industry. We are helping to drive demand for these disruptive technologies. The result is a safer and cleaner fleet for the communities in which we deliver.”
Arrival is the first commercial vehicle manufacturer in Europe to provide purpose-built electric delivery vehicles to UPS specifications. Since 2016, UPS and Arrival have been developing prototypes of different sizes and the first vehicles are expected to be deployed on the road before the end of this year.
“We’re excited to collaborate with UPS to create an affordable, modular, fully electric delivery vehicle designed to make deliveries in our busy cities clean and quiet,” said Arrival CEO, Denis Sverdlov.
“With its wrap-around front window the driver has a much wider field of view that improves not only the safety of the driver but also that of cyclists and pedestrians.”
UPS has more than 9,000 vehicles worldwide operating using alternative propulsion methods.
