Delivery giant FedEx has launched a two-week pilot of a Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 tractor which is being used in place of a diesel equivalent on domestic linehaul operations from its Parkhouse hub in Stoke-on-Trent.

This latest trial follows a two-week pilot of a rigid eActros 300 in Eindhoven in the Netherlands in May this year, which has prompted the UK trial.

During the pilot period, the tractor will be paired with an existing FedEx-owned trailer. It will transport shipments collected from larger customers on to FedEx hubs elsewhere in the UK.

The tractor will recharge onsite at the Parkhouse hub during down time, using a 40kW temporary charging solution.

Louise Whitehouse, FedEx Europe MD for fleet maintenance, said: ”Taking opportunities to test a variety of solutions in different geographical and operational circumstances is a critical part of evaluating solutions as they emerge on the market.

”This two-week test presents an opportunity to gain welcome hands-on experience using new technologies in heavier vehicle types and build a better picture of how such a vehicle and solution could be applied in linehaul operations in Europe.”.

FedEx has recently added electric vehicles to parcel pickup and delivery operations in the UK as well as in the Netherlands, Spain, and France.

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