UPS has announced the deployment of 100 fully electric commercial vehicles that will be delivering packages around the state. The deployment will help contribute to widespread deployment of zero-emission vehicles throughout California.

The UPS electric trucks will reduce the consumption of conventional motor fuel by approximately 126,000 gallons per year, according to the company. Additional benefits include reduction of carbon emissions and noise. The vehicles have a range of up to 75 miles and primarily will deliver packages to customers in Sacramento, San Bernardino, Ceres, Fresno, and Bakersfield.

“We currently operate more than 2,500 alternative-fuel vehicles worldwide with a variety of hybrid, electric, and natural gas technologies, making UPS the leader in logistics sustainability,” said Myron Gray, president of U.S. operations for UPS. “We use our technology and logistics expertise to reduce emissions around the world and help test new automotive technologies.”

The partners responsible for making this project a success include the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, California Air Resources Board, California Energy Commission, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, South Coast Air Quality Management District, San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District, and Sacramento Air Quality Management District.

“EPA's funding of these electric delivery trucks highlights our commitment to the rapid deployment of electric vehicles as a means of cleaning the air, creating jobs, and spurring innovation,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “California's communities will benefit from both the local manufacturing of these UPS electric trucks and from the resulting elimination of harmful diesel emissions.”

The vehicles were manufactured in Stockton, Calif., by Electric Vehicles International (EVI). The purchase of these vehicles from EVI is also providing new jobs and revenue to the state, as well as creating vehicles that will improve air quality.

UPS ranked No. 29 on Automotive Fleet’s Top 50 Green Fleets in 2012.

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