Australia Post has become the first customer to take delivery of a Fuso eCanter to its national delivery fleet, with three of the new Fuso eCanters now delivering parcels to customers in Melbourne ahead of Christmas, with another 17 of the Fuso electric light duty delivery trucks still to come as part of its initial order.
Australia Post’s already operates a feet of 2100 electric delivery vehicles, which until today comprised only the three wheel electric trikes, which are gradually replacing the familiar Honda ‘Postie Bikes’ along with 1400 electric bicycles which have replaced human pedal power that posties had to employ in the past.
The introduction of the eCanters comes after a successful trial of the Daimler developed truck in late 2019.
Australia Post general manager networks, James Dixon said the addition of the Fuso eCanter to Australia Post’s delivery fleet 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,” Mr Dixon said.
Australia Post’s chief sustainability officer, Susan Mizrahi said expanding the current electric fleet was an important part of the Australia Post’s 2020-22 Corporate Responsibility plan and its science-based 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,” Mizrahi said.
Daniel Whitehead, the president and CEO of Daimler Truck and Bus Australia Pacific, 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,” he said.
The remaining 17 eCanters will hit the streets delivering in major capital cities from early 2022, with the rollout of the new vehicles supported by Australia Post Fleet Management Provider SG Fleet.
Australia Post is currently two-thirds of the way through its 2020-22 Group Corporate Responsibility Plan Everyone Matters: Our plan for inclusive and sustainable prosperity. The strategy is available at: auspost.com.au/CR
