FedEx, one of the world’s leading shipping companies, announced that by 2022 it will strengthen their sustainability strategy by establishing an alliance with BrightDrop, a company linked to General Motors that specializes in developing and manufacturing electric vans.
The agreement calls for FedEx to acquire 2,000 vehicles over the next few years, a figure that could increase to 20,000 electrified vans, as part of the organization’s plan to reduce emissions to zero by 2040.
These vehicles would have a cargo capacity of 16,000 liters, distributed between the rear area and other compartments, as well as a cargo area with a security system that detects merchandise movement, allowing for safer driving. In addition, this model can store up to 4,500 kilograms, so it should have no problems when making deliveries.
For FedEx, purchasing from BrightDrop is a cost-saving and sustainable combination, as the charge for electric vehicles is approximately 75% less than the price of fueling a similar gas-powered vehicle.
Vehicles in Operation
Richard Smith, FedEx Regional President of the Americas, celebrated that the pact has become a reality and cars are already on the road in California making deliveries. “BrightDrop has a vehicle that works as advertised, and we love it. We want to buy many more.”
BrightDrop CEO, Travis Katz, reported that in addition to this established relationship with FedEx, other retail giants such as Walmart have also requested the vehicle, so they now have 25,000 confirmed reservations for their vans.
“Part of what’s exciting about the conversations we’re having with them (FedEx) is that we’re both really looking at this market through the lens of technology.” “It’s really about a momentum story and the demand for these vehicles is skyrocketing. We’re seeing tons of customer interest,” Katz said.
A Grain of Sand in the Midst of a Grand Plan
For the past 13 years, FedEx has been working to reduce the environmental impact from its operations. This activity is part of the Priority Earth program, described as its “greatest commitment”, because it is aimed at the common good.
The delivery company is focusing on reducing emissions and waste by replacing older technologies and vehicles, as well as making changes to its facilities and packaging.
Financially, FedEx committed $100 million to help establish the Yale Center for Natural Carbon Capture, where researchers will focus on ways to remove and store excess carbon from the Earth.
