Australia Post is posed to become the largest electric vehicle fleet operator in the nation after placing an order for 1,000 three-wheeled electric delivery vehicles (eDVs) to add to its existing fleet.
Group Chief Operating Officer at Australia Post, Bob Black said the new order would add to its fleet of electric postie vehicles – including electric pushbikes – and create a range of benefits for posties, customers and the environment.
“We hope this will set the standard across Australia,” Mr Black said.
“With parcel volumes growing — on average, close to 10 per cent each year for the last three years — and letter volumes declining, we’re always looking for ways to ensure our posties continue to play an important and sustainable role in the community.”
He said the vehicles offered additional carrying capacity so posties could deliver more parcels than ever before directly to the customer’s door, as well as perform additional functions such as collecting mail from street posting boxes.
Mr Black said that along with delivery benefits, electric vehicles offered added safety and environmental protections.
“The eDVs are safer than the traditional motorcycle,” he said.
“They are easier to see on the road, more stable, have increased rider protection and lower on-road speeds, all of which reduce a postie’s exposure to incidents and serious accidents.
“We started trialling eDVs in 2017 and we’ve since deployed them in all States. We have worked closely with our posties to make improvements along the way,” he said.
Mr Black said deployment of the additional 1,000 vehicles was expected to start from June across all States.
Australia Post is also expected to roll out an additional 4,000 electric pushbikes over the next three years, taking its electric vehicle total to 5,980.
