UPS rolled out a small parcel delivery service this week in Northern California using 42 electric cars and trucks from ZAP.
The UPS branch in Petaluma, California has leased an initial fleet of 42 ZAP Xebra electric city cars and trucks for their small parcel deliveries.
Drivers will be monitoring their electrical usage to analyze cost-savings and emissions reductions.
UPS is setting up strategic distribution nodes where vans can transfer packages to the ZAP Xebras for final delivery in smaller communities, neighborhoods and downtown areas where larger delivery vans are less efficient and have a more difficult time navigating or parking.
“ZAP vehicles are much better than full size trucks in urban areas because they can save a fleet operator money,” said ZAP Chairman Gary Starr. “Electric vehicles can also be one of the best things any organization can do to cut greenhouse gases and help the environment.”