Federal Express Corporation (FedEx) has taken a significant step toward its global sustainability goals by introducing 55 electric vehicles (EVs) into its Australian parcel pickup and delivery fleet. The mix of Fuso eCanter trucks and Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans will begin operating in metropolitan areas, with the first phase already underway in Adelaide.
Adelaide First, with National Expansion Planned
The rollout starts with 15 Fuso eCanters in Adelaide before expanding to Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane as charging infrastructure develops. FedEx says the expansion will continue into more metropolitan and regional areas over time.
Both vehicles will be used in daily parcel pickup and delivery services. The eCanter has an estimated range of up to 200 km per charge and avoids up to 13.2 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year compared with a diesel truck travelling 30,000 km. The eSprinter offers a 1.5-tonne payload capacity, 264 km of range, and avoids 8.5 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared with its diesel equivalent.
FedEx: “A pivotal moment in our operations”
Peter Langley, Regional Vice President, FedEx Australasia, said the decision marked an important milestone for the company’s local operations.
“The introduction of these electric vehicles to our pickup and delivery fleet in Australia marks a pivotal moment in our operations. It is an important initial step we have taken to help reduce the environmental impact of our pickup and delivery operations while continuing to provide the efficient and reliable service our customers expect.”
He added that the move reflects growing consumer expectations:
“As e-commerce continues to grow and consumers become more environmentally conscious, we believe that embracing electric vehicles is a strategic imperative for a cleaner and more sustainable future. We are not just delivering parcels and freight; we are taking tangible steps to help build a more sustainable future for the communities we serve.”
This rollout supports the FedEx Corporation’s global commitment to electrify all parcel pickup and delivery vehicles by 2040 and achieve carbon-neutral operations across its business lines in the same timeframe.
Daimler: “FedEx is setting the benchmark”
The order also represents a major win for Daimler Truck, with the Fuso eCanter forming a key part of the rollout.
Daniel Whitehead, President and CEO of Daimler Truck Australia Pacific, said:
“FedEx is setting the sustainability benchmark globally and we are thrilled to support this amazing leadership in Australia with the Fuso Canter, the most advanced electric small truck in the market. We know FedEx will provide a great example of how companies and their customers can benefit from high-quality electric trucks.”
Andrew Assimo, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Operations at Daimler Truck, said the eCanter’s advanced safety and driveline technologies made it a natural fit for FedEx.
“The Fuso eCanter features unmatched technology, from its clever e-axle to its next-level active emergency braking capabilities, and we know they will help FedEx deliver the kind of service that it is famous for. We are excited to see the FedEx Fuso eCanters out on the road, delivering for customers while producing zero exhaust pipe emissions.”
More Than Just Trucks
While vehicle electrification is the focus of this initiative, FedEx is also investing in other sustainability measures including aircraft modernisation, sustainable fuels, renewable energy, more efficient facilities, and carbon sequestration research.
What it Means for Fleets
For Australian fleets, FedEx’s decision highlights two key developments:
- Electric delivery vehicles are moving from trial to mainstream adoption in metropolitan operations.
- OEM collaboration is vital—with Daimler positioning the eCanter as a ready-to-go solution for logistics providers.
With e-commerce volumes still rising, the lessons FedEx learns from this deployment are likely to influence broader adoption across both corporate and government fleets in the coming years.
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