First UPS U.S. Delivery eBike Debuts In Portland, Ore.
08 December 2016 - 1:00AM
UPS (NYSE: UPS) today announced its first eBike in the U.S. This
new electrically-assisted tricycle began delivering packages in
Portland, Ore., on November 21. UPS anticipates this eBike
prototype could become a component of its delivery capabilities in
some other cities across the country. The deployment of the eBike
is part of UPS’s ongoing commitment to reduce carbon emissions as
city populations and e-commerce grow, and traffic, noise and air
quality challenges continue to rise.
“Early in our 109 year history, UPS operated as a bike messenger
company,” said Mark Wallace, UPS senior vice president global
engineering and sustainability. “While we have evolved and
developed a vast network of ground and air vehicles, the bicycle
may be making a comeback as we navigate through crowded urban areas
and continue our focus on environmental sustainability.”
The success of this pilot program was first demonstrated in 2012
in collaboration with the city of Hamburg, Germany. It focused on
developing a new and sustainable method of delivering goods to
urban areas. UPS placed four containers at central locations in the
city for interim storage of packages for UPS service providers.
From these points, deliveries were made on foot or with specialized
bicycles called “Cargo Cruisers,” UPS’s electronically-assisted
tricycles. These alternate delivery solutions helped ease traffic
congestion and reduce emissions each working day. Due to the
success of the pilot, the Hamburg program was extended in February
2015 for another two years. That model serves as a guidepost for
the company’s new program in Portland, Ore.
“Portland, like all cities, is looking for ways to fight urban
congestion and pollution,” said Portland Mayor, Charlie
Hales. “It’s great when a company like UPS brings us a unique
solution that will help us combat climate change and protect the
environment.”
Portland was a logical choice for the first U.S. deployment as
UPS already uses traditional bicycles for delivery seasonally in
the city.
The eBike is equipped with battery-powered electric motors that
makes it possible to cover further distances, carry substantial
loads, and navigate hills and other terrain. Maximum energy
efficiency is achieved when combining battery power and human power
simultaneously. The eBike can be operated solely on battery power
or pedal power. During the testing phase, UPS will evaluate the
reliability, design, integration to the city’s infrastructure and
acceptance of the vehicle. If successful, UPS envisions
additional eBike deployment and testing in 2017.
By the end of 2016, UPS will have invested more than $750
million in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and
fueling stations globally since 2009. Using its “Rolling
Laboratory” approach, UPS deploys more than 7,700
low-emission vehicles to determine what works best in each
situation. From old-fashioned pedal power and electric-assisted
bicycles in dense urban areas like London and Hamburg to electric
and hybrid electric vehicles in the U.S., and natural gas,
renewable natural gas and propane globally, UPS puts sustainability
innovation into action, all over the world.
About UPS
UPS (NYSE: UPS) is a global leader in logistics, offering a
broad range of solutions including transporting packages and
freight; facilitating international trade, and deploying advanced
technology to more efficiently manage the world of business. UPS is
committed to operating more sustainably – for customers, the
environment and the communities we serve around the world.
Learn more about our efforts at ups.com/sustainability.
Headquartered in Atlanta, UPS serves more than 220 countries and
territories worldwide. The company can be found on the web at
ups.com® and its corporate blog can be found at longitudes.ups.com.
To get UPS news direct, visit pressroom.ups.com/RSS or
follow @UPS_News on Twitter.
Glenn Zaccara
404-828-4663
gzaccara@ups.com
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