NZ Post has announced two new sustainability milestones in its bid to reach net zero emissions operations by 2050 – the addition of the first Mercedes-Benz eActros all-electric truck to its fleet and the completion of 100,000km using its first hydrogen-fueled truck.
Electric truck
The 19-tonne eActros truck features next-generation battery technology, alongside advanced safety and driver assistance systems, plus online performance monitoring and data collection. It will be based in the greater Auckland area and operate daily between the North Shore and Silverdale, covering over 300km.
NZ Post Group sustainability manager Dawn Baggaley commented “Heavy transport plays a vital role in our economy, but it’s also a significant contributor to our national emissions. Bringing the eActros truck into our fleet is just another milestone in our sustainability journey and a step toward our goal of transitioning to net zero emissions operations by 2050.”
Made possible with funding from EECA, the acquisition of the truck came after it was trialled by six different transportation companies under a range of load and operating conditions. One of those trialling the truck was Fliway Group, NZ Post’s freight and logistic company.
Hydrogen milestone
NZ Post was also the first company in New Zealand to add a hydrogen-powered truck to its fleet last year when it took possession of a Hyundai XCIENT Fuel Cell truck – which is hit its first 100,000km on July 25.
“We believe both hydrogen and electric vehicles have a place in our business and will continue to trial and invest in initiatives that align with our sustainability goals,” Baggaley continued.
NZ Post chief executive officer David Walsh added, “NZ Post was the first company in New Zealand to trial the hydrogen truck which aligns with our approach of testing and adopting new technologies.
“As the truck’s odometer ticked over to 100,000km it added another milestone in our sustainability journey and another step toward our goal of transitioning to net zero emissions operations by 2050.”