UPDATE: Australia Post has just announced a groundbreaking shift in its delivery fleet, set to deploy 500 electric tricycles across Australia by December 2023. This urgent move aims to replace traditional petrol-powered motorbikes, enhancing delivery capacity just in time for the holiday rush.
The electric trikes, known as Rapide 3, will revolutionize how parcels are delivered, each capable of carrying up to 150 parcels with a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of 180 km on a single charge. With a high demand for e-commerce deliveries during the festive season, this transition could significantly improve delivery timelines for millions of customers.
Paul Graham, Australia Post’s group chief executive officer, emphasized the importance of this upgrade: “That means people will be able to get more rapid delivery for their e-commerce orders, which is obviously an area that continues to grow.” The upcoming changes are expected to create an additional 3,000 to 3,500 jobs during the peak period, further boosting local economies.
These electric vehicles are part of a broader strategy to reduce emissions and improve safety. Graham noted that traditional motorcycles remain “the most dangerous vehicles” within the fleet. By introducing these stable three-wheeled vehicles in every state and territory, Australia Post aims to enhance community safety while meeting increasing delivery demands.
This initiative follows a surge in electric vehicle adoption, as recent data indicates that electric cars accounted for 11.3 percent of new vehicle sales in September. Australia Post is joining other transport firms in a rapid transition to electric options, following similar announcements from FedEx, which plans to add 55 electric vans and trucks, and Linfox, which is investing in heavy-duty electric trucks.
The new tricycles will join a growing fleet of 5,600 electric vehicles, including Fuso eCanter trucks and Mercedes-Benz eVito vans, all recharged at 37 charging stations established for their operations. This shift is seen as a crucial first step towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
As Australia Post gears up for what it hopes will be another record-breaking holiday season, customers can expect more efficient and safer delivery options in their neighborhoods. The company is also exploring ways to tackle emissions from long-haul trucks and air freight, indicating a comprehensive approach to sustainability in the logistics sector.
With the holiday shopping season approaching, this electrifying development is sure to resonate with consumers eager for faster delivery services. Stay tuned for more updates as Australia Post continues to innovate and adapt to the changing demands of the delivery landscape.
