FedEx Express Expands Electric Vehicle Trials to UAE

This month, FedEx Express began electric vehicle (EV) trials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with one-ton electric trucks combining low-energy consumption and high performance.

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What you need to know: The all-electric delivery vehicles will be used for parcel pick-up and delivery across strategic locations in the UAE.

The six-month trial represents the debut of zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles for FedEx in the Middle East and North Africa region.

It will allow evaluation of the vehicles’ operational effectiveness on typical routes while carrying a full load of packages.

What they’re saying: “Our efforts to operate more sustainably apply to all areas throughout our network and we are continuously innovating to reduce the environmental impact from daily operations,” said Taarek Hinedi, vice president of FedEx Express Middle East and Africa operations.

“This first EV trial in the Middle East and North Africa region is a step towards shaping the future of delivery.

“It requires identifying the right technology to ensure the successful integration of electric vehicles into the FedEx Express fleet, and ultimately enhancing how we support our business, customers, and team members.

“The increasing popularity of ecommerce means transforming our operations to be more sustainable is more important than ever.”

Of note: Across the broader Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, FedEx has deployed electric vehicles in a number of countries, with the region’s largest EV fleet in China.

FedEx has also introduced EV trials in India, Thailand, and South Africa to help advance emissions reduction goals.

The big picture: The trial is part of the efforts to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040. Electrifying the entire FedEx Express pick-up and delivery fleet is a core element toward this target.

By 2025, FedEx has a goal that 50% of FedEx Express’ global pick-up and delivery vehicle purchases will be electric, rising to 100% by 2030.

What else is important: The company’s EV trials are also in line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which lays the foundation of environmental sustainability and climate action as it prepares to host the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference, known as COP28.

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