UPS recently launched its first range-extended electric delivery vehicle for trials in the UK.

Since June 2014, UPS has worked with Tevva Motors to develop a prototype, as part of UPS’s growing investment in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. A small, highly efficient diesel engine acts as a generator to recharge the batteries if they become depleted out on the road. This significantly increases the range of the vehicle, potentially by hundreds of miles.

Tevva Motors Limited was founded in 2013 to develop electric powered commercial vehicles.

“This vehicle highlights our commitment to integrating new technologies into our delivery fleet,” said Peter Harris, sustainability director for UPS Europe. “Finding the best, most responsible fleet solutions to suit our business and serve our customers is an important part of our sustainability strategy.”

Through its rolling laboratory UPS is constantly evaluating and experimenting which alternatives offer a sustainable way of making deliveries in various scenarios, such as urban centers or long-range deliveries. As people move from rural to urban areas, UPS is looking at ways to reduce vehicles’ contribution to congestion, noise and air pollution. Geo-fencing technology installed in this vehicle means it will operate in a purely electric capacity in urban areas to reduce the impact on air quality. Should additional power to the batteries be required, telemetry technology ensures that the range-extending diesel motor operates where the impact on air quality will be minimal, such as on the motorway.

The Range Extended Electric Vehicle will first be deployed in East London. It will operate in a suburban environment, covering about 60 to 90 miles per day. The prototype will initially run for 12 months to assess the potential for the vehicle to be used more widely in UPS operations.