UPS are set to test electric delivery vehicles in the UK

UPS are teaming up with TEVVA Motors in order to produce their first ever range-extended electric delivery vehicle.

Range-extending technology means that electric vehicles can go further allowing the vehicle to serve routes that would be beyond the capability of a conventional electric vehicle.

Peter Harris, sustainability director, UPS Europe says, “With around 5,800 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles worldwide, sustainability is more than a practice at UPS, it’s a value. This vehicle highlights our commitment to integrating new technologies into our delivery fleet”.

UPS have been working with Tevva Motors since June 2014 in order to produce a prototype model of the vehicle. This is part of UPS’ growing investment in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles.

How does it work? The vehicle uses a small but highly efficient diesel engine that acts as a generator in order to recharge the batteries if they become flat out on the road. This significantly increases the range of the vehicle, potentially by several hundred kilometres, on top of its normal range of 75km to 100 km without range extension.

The Range Extended Electric Vehicle will be debuted in Barking, East London. It will operate in a suburban environment, covering about 100km to 150km per day. The prototype will initially run for 12 months to assess the potential for the vehicle to be used more widely in UPS operations.

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