FedEx e-cargo bikes in London

Electrically assisted four-wheel delivery bikes expected to replace conventional diesel vans in capital. 

Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) has worked with FedEx Express Europe to develop and test new models of e-cargo bikes for use across London as part of its pick-up and delivery service. The project follows EAV being awarded £150,000 from the Department of Transport as part of the Freight Innovation Fund. FedEx says the partnership with EAV has sought to increase efficiency in all areas of last-mile delivery.

A new e-cargo delivery bike, photo courtesy of FedEx Europe

The result is eight new delivery e-cargo bikes that will operate from the London City and Hornsey stations. It’s understood these will replace six conventional diesel vans, with savings of CO2 emissions equivalent to 22,000 kg per year. 

The new model e-cargo bikes are designed for use in all weathers. Features include custom-designed wheels for ferrying cargo, a chassis with fewer moving parts to ensure easier maintenance, and optimised load capacity to streamline delivery work. The e-cargo bikes can carry up to 170kg for 45 miles on a single battery charge. These batteries can be recharged with an ordinary three-pin plug so there’s no need for additional, specialist infrastructure at the FedEx stations. 

At present, FedEx Express operates 34 e-cargo bikes in the UK; as well as Greater London, they’re used in Cambridge, Glasgow, Huntington and Norwich, as an alternative to diesel vehicles in emissions-restricted zones. This is also part of a wider initiative: in March 2021, FedEx Express undertook to electrify its whole pick-up and delivery fleet globally via phased procurement. It aims to ensure that 50% of all newly procured vehicles will be electric by next year, and 100% by 2030. 

Rob Peto, Vice President of UK Operations at FedEx Express, says: ‘With these newest e-cargo bikes we further grow our fleet of e-cargo bikes in London, enabling us to deliver to our customers in an efficient and more environmentally conscious way. Besides the ability to take faster routes through the city, the use of e-cargo bikes also removes vehicle tailpipe emissions from last-mile delivery, which makes them a favoured last-mile solution in congested or restricted urban areas.’ 

Adam Barmby, Founder and CEO of EAV, adds: ‘With brilliant companies like FedEx we’re able to look beyond what our e-cargo bikes can do to reduce emissions on the road – and ensure that we’re advancing all aspects of last-mile efficiency through the delivery process. FedEx shares our passion for making the rider experience the best it can be, and enabling smarter, faster operations as we do so.’ 

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