Canada Post may start deploying electric trucks
The Canadian post office is looking at the possibility of deploying electric trucks and vans for its delivery services. Electric vehicles are generally well suited to such duties because the routes are clearly defined and can be modified to meet the range limitations of the batteries. With 7,000 vehicles driving 47 million miles annually, the Canada Post has the potential to cut a lot of fuel use and emissions. In Canada, most power is produced from hydro-electric or nuclear sources, further cutting the carbon footprint.
However, Canada Post has some unique issues with the use of electric vehicles. Because routes often start off with five miles or more of highway driving before even starting the actual delivery and pickup route, range is cut down significantly. In many parts of the country, winters are also extremely cold, causing further range issues. Azure Dynamics builds electric delivery vans, more than 150 of which have been sold to courier company Purolator. However, these vans are too large for the post office's needs. Perhaps something closer to the size of Ford's upcoming Transit Connect BEV would be more useful.
Gallery: 2010 Ford Transit Connect
[Source: The Tyee]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DasBoese 1:08AM (6/16/2009)
Heh, I was going to suggest the Transit Connect as well, that's exactly the type of work it's cut out for.
An interesting tidbit: In some cities, the Germany's Deutsche Post has switched to deploying mail on foot with the delivery personnel using the regular public transport network to get around.
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CanaDoc 2:16PM (6/17/2009)
Just a quick addendum to the post. As per the Canadian Electricity Association's 2006 report: "Power Generation in Canada: A Guide":
"Canada possesses a diverse generation portfolio, covering a range of mature and emerging electricity-producing technologies. Hydro power produces the largest share at close to 60% of Canada’s electrical production, followed by fossil fuels (coal, natural gas and oil) at 28% and nuclear at 12% (a number that is increasing due to planned refurbishments). Wind, bioenergy and other sources are now being considered as contributors to the overall portfolio, although combined, they currently provide only about 2% of Canadian electricity production."
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