Ryder System Inc. has announced what it claims to be the largest commercial electric vehicle (EV) purchase in the U.S.
With an order of 1,000 medium-duty electric panel vans by Chanje Energy Inc., Ryder and FedEx Corp. have also executed a truck leasing and preventive maintenance agreement primarily for Ryder’s ChoiceLease fleet. The purpose-built EVs will be operated by FedEx Express for commercial and residential pick-up and delivery services in the U.S. The fleet is expected to be deployed throughout California over the next two years.
“With our focus on innovation and technology, combined with our entry into the EV market more than a year ago, we’ve made it easy for customers such as FedEx to adopt sustainable, advanced vehicle technologies,” says Dennis Cooke, president of global fleet management solutions for Ryder. “We continue to see broadening interest in EVs from businesses of various sizes and industries looking to outsource – especially in the final-mile delivery space, where a smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicle is required.”
FedEx will have access to Ryder’s network of 800 facilities across North America to support its Chanje EV fleet. Ryder is the exclusive sales channel, service and warranty partner for Chanje and its medium-duty EVs.
The van is equipped to haul up to 6,000 pounds and up to 675 cubic feet of cargo, all with zero vehicle exhaust emissions and up to a 150-mile range on a single charge.
Ryder announces the largest commercial EV purchase in the U.S., enabling broader adoption of the technology. Together w/ an order of 1,000 @ChanjeEnergy #EVs, @RyderSystemInc & @FedEx have a new lease & maintenance agreement. https://t.co/V8nJHvw1E6 #RyderAdvancedVehicles pic.twitter.com/Lcl2LCh6gv
— Ryder (@RyderSystemInc) November 20, 2018