Electric FedEx vans to deliver emission cut

FEDEX is to begin one of the biggest trials of electric delivery vehicles in the capital.

It will operate 10 battery-powered vans to make deliveries from two of its east London depots.

If the trials are a success, the firm could replace its fleet of petrol-powered delivery vans. It already uses about 170 hybrid vehicles, and has pledged to improve the fuel efficiency of its fleet by 20 percent.

The new vans, made by Coventry-based Modec, are entirely electric, and will travel for 60 miles on a single charge. FedEx says this will be enough for a full day of deliveries in central London.

The van weighs 3.5 tonnes with batteries installed, and can carry up to two tonnes. It is six metres long, accelerates from 0-30mph in 11 seconds, and has a top speed of 50mph.

This performance is similar to the company's existing fleet and the dimensions of the storage area are identical.

Mayor Boris Johnson has backed the scheme.