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FedEx tests eActros 300 electric tractor unit in UK

Express transportation company FedEx has begun a two-week pilot of an all-electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 tractor unit in the UK, as the company looks at ways to further reduce emissions.

The tractor unit is being used in place of a combustion engine tractor and trailer combination, to fulfil domestic linehaul operations from the Parkhouse station, Stoke-on-Trent.

For the pilot period, the tractor will be paired with an existing FedEx-owned trailer and from there it will transport shipments collected from larger customers on to FedEx hubs elsewhere in the UK.

The tractor will recharge onsite at the Parkhouse station during down time, using a 40kW temporary charging solution.

As FedEx identifies ways to reduce emissions across its road network in Europe, the company said it will continue to explore vehicle specifications and sizes that will best meet the needs of its operations.

FedEx previously piloted the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 as a rigid truck for two weeks in May in Eindhoven, Netherlands, which prompted the trial in the UK.

Also, FedEx recently added electric vehicles to parcel pickup and delivery operations in the UK as well as in Netherlands, Spain, and France.