UPS to deploy a fleet of new neat-looking custom-built all-electric delivery trucks

UK-based startup Arrival has developed a neat-looking all-electric delivery truck and after scoring a contract with Royal Mail, the company has now secured an order of 35 electric trucks with UPS, which has several programs in place to electrify its massive fleet of delivery vehicles.

When unveiling the vehicle last year, Arrival talked about a “revolutionary ultra-lightweight composite materials that significantly reduce the weight of the vehicle and by combining this technology with Arrival’s custom built hardware, including power electronics and motors, the cost of operating has been reduced by more than 50%.”

They say that they optimized the maximum range to weight ratio for inner city deliveries with battery packs enabling up to 100 miles of range on 3.5, 6 and 7.5 tonne trucks.

Now, Arrival says that the custom-built trucks for UPS will have “a battery range of more than 150 miles (240 kilometers).”

Luke Wake, international director for automotive engineering in the advanced technology group at UPS, said this about the announcement:

“UPS is working with ARRIVAL here in the UK because their smart electric vehicles are helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuel. This is a pioneering collaboration that helps UPS develop new ways to reduce our emissions. UPS is marshaling its global scale to encourage innovation within the automotive industry. We are helping to drive demand for these disruptive technologies. The result is a safer and cleaner fleet for the communities in which we deliver.”

Arrival has been working with UPS on the vehicles since 2016 and now they plan to deploy the first ones in London and Paris for a trialed period by the end of the year.

The delivery giant is also working on several other electrification efforts. They are converting ‘up to 1,500 delivery trucks’ to battery-electric in New York, they’ve already bought some of Daimler’s new electric trucks, and they’ve ordered 125 Tesla Semi trucks.

Earlier this year, they also placed an order for a fleet of 50 all-electric delivery trucks made by Workhorse.