FedEx Express Europe has introduced new e-cargo bikes to work alongside its vehicle pick-up and delivery fleet in Greater London.

Eight electrically assisted four-wheel delivery bikes will now operate from FedEx Express stations London City and Hornsey, where they are expected to replace six conventional diesel vans and avoid an estimated 22,000 kgs of CO2 emissions per year.

E-bike manufacturer Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAV) worked with FedEx Express to develop and test the new model e-cargo bikes after it was awarded £150,000 from the Department for Transport (DfT) through the Freight Innovation Fund. 

The collaboration between manufacturer and operator strives to identify opportunities to increase efficiency in all aspects of last mile delivery.

Rob Peto, vice president operations UK at FedEx Express, said: “With these newest e-cargo bikes we further grow our fleet of e-cargo bikes in London, enabling us to deliver to our customers in an efficient and more environmentally conscious way.

“Besides the ability to take faster routes through the city, the use of e-cargo bikes also removes vehicle tailpipe emissions from last-mile delivery, which makes them a favoured last-mile solution in congested or restricted urban areas.”

The new model e-cargo bikes have been designed for use in all weather conditions, featuring wheels custom-designed for cargo operations.

The chassis has fewer moving parts, making ongoing maintenance easier, and the optimised load capacity is designed to streamline delivery operations.

The e-cargo bikes can carry up to 170kg over 45 miles on a single battery charge. The batteries are recharged via a standard three-pin plug, meaning the bikes do not need a custom charging infrastructure solution in the stations.

Adam Barmby, founder and CEO of EAV, said: “With brilliant companies like FedEx we’re able to look beyond what our e-cargo bikes can do to reduce emissions on the road – and ensure that we’re advancing all aspects of last-mile efficiency through the delivery process.

“FedEx shares our passion for making the rider experience the best it can be, and enabling smarter, faster operations as we do so.”

FedEx Express currently operates a total of 34 e-cargo bikes in the UK, complementing its vehicle fleet in Greater London, Glasgow, Cambridge, Huntington, and Norwich where they have replaced diesel vehicles for serving emissions-restricted zones.

E-cargo bikes will continue to play an important role in parcel pick-up and delivery in UK cities, as FedEx Express moves to gradually electrify its vehicle fleet across Europe, it said.

In March 2021, FedEx Express announced its goal to electrify its pick-up and delivery fleet globally through a phased procurement approach.

By 2025, FedEx has a goal that 50% of newly procured vehicles will be electric, rising to 100% of all new vehicle orders by 2030, with London welcoming the first of FedEx Express UK electric vehicles last year.