Canada Post adds first all-electric delivery van

OTTAWA, Ont. — Canada Post has taken delivery of what it claims to be the first Transit Connect Electric commercial delivery vehicle in Canada.

The all-electric commercial van is built on a Ford Transit Connect vehicle body with Azure Dynamics’ Force Drive battery-electric powertrain. It’s the first of 10 emissions-free battery-powered delivery vehicles that Canada Post has committed to purchasing.

The remaining units will be put into service in 2011, Canada Post announced.

“It is important for companies such as Canada Post to show leadership and explore ways to reduce their overall carbon footprint,” said Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). “Canadians should be pleased that their postal service will deliver mail in a more environmentally-friendly manner.” [more]