Canadian logistics company Purolator says it will spend $1 billion over the next seven years electrifying its fleet and terminals.
The subsidiary of Canada Post says it will purchase more than 3,500 fully electric last-mile delivery vehicles, including some made in Canada, and the electrification of more than 60 terminals across the country.
Purolator said in a statement that it expects to add more than 100 all-electric vehicles to its fleet this year and an additional 150 in 2024.
The purchase will include trucks from U.S.-manufacturer Motiv Power Systems, Ford E-Transit van and the BrightDrop Zevo 600, built by General Motors in Ingersoll, Ont.
“The company chose these partners based on their ability to deliver market-leading technology and operational support and to meet Purolator’s unique transportation needs serving markets across Canada,” Purolator said.
The company in March will start deploying 25 Ford E-Transit vans in London, Ont.; Richmond, B.C.; and Quebec City. Fifty-five Motiv and 15 BrightDrop models, along with several low-speed vehicles and electric cargo bikes (e-bikes), will be added later this year.
Purolator says its investment in environmental sustainability, including the electrification of 60 per cent of its fleet, is expected to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in 2030 by 80,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
"Our ambition is to be the greenest courier company in Canada, and with this investment, Purolator will take yet another important step toward a more sustainable future and healthier planet,” Purolator CEO John Ferguson said in the statement. “We’ve set ambitious goals for ourselves and are working with our customers and partners every day to reduce our carbon footprint and protect our environment.”
Purolator began greening its fleet in 2005, when it added more than 500 hybrid-electric vehicles to its fleet. It used its first fully electric delivery vans in 2021.
