The freight, package and logistics solutions provider’s first fully electric delivery trucks join low speed ZEVs, e-bikes and more than 300 hybrids already in the Purolator fleet

Purolator announced Monday the deployment of five fully electric, 18-foot curbside delivery trucks in Vancouver, a major step forward in the Canadian shipping giant’s $1-billion, five-year growth and innovation strategy.

The trucks are Purolator’s first full-sized, zero-emission delivery vehicles. Each is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 24 metric tons per year.

The company also confirmed to Electric Autonomy Canada that it plans to launch more electric vehicles in metropolitan Canadian cities throughout the year.

“Transforming our infrastructure and fleet is a key focus area of our growth and innovation strategy, and the cornerstone of our commitment to reduce our environmental footprint,” said John Ferguson, president and CEO of Purolator, in a release announcing the new trucks.

Electrification potential

The company also put four electric cargo bikes into service in Vancouver on Monday. Those join five e-bikes already being tested in Toronto and Montreal. Last year, Purolator also began a pilot with three zero-emission compact low-speed delivery trucks in those markets.

With $1.9 billion in revenue, more than 13,000 employees and more than 5,000 vehicles in its fleet — including 315 hybrid-electrics — Purolator’s longer-term electrification potential is huge. It’s also essential for it to meet its stated commitment of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.

“At Purolator, we’re committed to adapting intelligently and providing sustainable solutions for the unique challenges of urban growth, the rise of e-commerce and unprecedented volumes of home deliveries,” said Ferguson.

A Canadian first

The 18-foot vehicles are built on Ford’s F-59 platform and electrified by Motiv Power Systems, a California-based company that has previously supplied electric chassis systems to the United States Postal Service, Aramark and other clients.

Monday’s announcement marks the first Canadian deployment of Motiv’s technology.

“The introduction of all-electric vehicles into Purolator’s fleet is a critical step in reducing their GHG emissions and helps to advance our mission of freeing fleets from fossil fuels,” said Matt O’Leary, chairman and CEO of Motiv.

“We applaud the organization’s commitment to implementing innovative and sustainable technologies and look forward to working alongside them to modernize their fleet and delivery solutions throughout Canada.”

While Purolator is the first nationwide Canadian company in its market to debut full-sized electric delivery vehicles, a number of international shipping companies, including Amazon, FedEx and UPS already have major plans in place to electrify their fleets.