FedEx Trials Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 Electric Truck
Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) is the world's largest express transportation company, delivering services to more than 220 countries and territories. Leveraging a global air-and-ground network, it oversees the timely and secure delivery of time-sensitive shipments.
The eActros 300 Pilot Program
FedEx has embarked on a two-week pilot program featuring the eActros 300, an all-electric vehicle from Mercedes-Benz Trucks.
The initiative replaces a traditional combustion engine tractor and trailer combination with the eActros 300 to manage domestic line haul operations from the Parkhouse station in Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
- Range and Battery Capacity: It offers a range of up to 300 kilometres (186 miles) and is powered by three 112 kWh battery packs, providing a total capacity of 336 kWh.
- Performance: The electric drivetrain delivers an impressive 400 kW (536 horsepower).
- Charging Efficiency: The batteries can recharge from 20% to 80% in just over an hour using a 400 kW fast charger.
- Advanced Technology: The eActros 300 has advanced safety systems and a high-tech Multimedia Cockpit, ensuring a seamless blend of performance, efficiency, and zero-emission driving.
Pilot Program Details
During the two-week pilot, the eActros 300 tractor will pair with an existing FedEx-owned trailer. It will transport shipments collected from larger customers to various FedEx hubs across the UK.
During downtime, the vehicle will recharge onsite at the Parkhouse station using a 40kW temporary charging solution.
Strategic Importance of the Pilot
Louise Whitehouse, Managing Fleet Maintenance for FedEx Europe, emphasised the importance of testing various solutions in different geographical and operational contexts. She states, "Taking opportunities to test various solutions in different geographical and operational circumstances is critical to evaluating solutions as they emerge on the market."
"The two-week test presents an opportunity to gain welcome hands-on experience using new technologies in heavier vehicle types and better understand how such a vehicle and solution could apply to linehaul operations in Europe."
Trial in the Netherlands
In May 2024, FedEx conducted a two-week trial of the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 as a rigid truck in Eindhoven, Netherlands. The trial assessed the vehicle's daily performance, efficiency and practicality. Results indicated that the eActros 300 delivered impressive range and reliability, consistently achieving its promised 300 kilometres (186 miles) on a single charge.
The truck's fast-charging capability, recharging from 20% to 80% in just over an hour, minimised downtime and maintained operational efficiency.
Drivers reported a positive experience with the advanced safety systems and the Multimedia Cockpit, highlighting the truck's user-friendly interface and real-time data benefits. The quiet operation and zero-emission output significantly reduced noise pollution and environmental impact, aligning with FedEx's sustainability goals.
The successful trial in Eindhoven confirmed the eActros 300's potential for broader implementation, leading to the trial in the UK and reinforcing FedEx's commitment to electrifying its fleet.
Expanding Electric Vehicle Fleet
Beyond the eActros 300 trials, FedEx has recently added electric vehicles to its parcel pickup and delivery operations in the UK, Netherlands, Spain, and France. The expansion demonstrates FedEx's commitment to sustainability and innovation in logistics.
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