New Zealand Post has announced that it will be investing NZ$15m (US$10m) in new electric delivery vehicles over the next two years, provided by Norwegian vehicle manufacturer Paxster. The first shipment of 50 Paxster vehicles is due to arrive in mid-2016.
The four-wheeled battery powered vehicles will be used for the combined delivery of mail and parcels in large residential areas nationwide, starting in parts of Auckland later this year.
Ashley Smout, service delivery chief operating officer for New Zealand Post, said, “The vehicles will give us extra capacity to meet the growing demand created by online shopping and give us an edge in the competitive parcel delivery market.
“They’ll allow us to be more efficient and, over time, enable new and convenient services to residential customers such as parcel pick-ups, returns and re-directions. Capacity will also be freed up in our vans so couriers can concentrate on business customers.
“Trials have shown the eco-vehicles are safe to use on the footpath. Our drivers receive safety training and will give way to all other footpath users.”
The four-wheeled vehicles can carry loads of up to 200kg (440lbs) but are still small enough to be used on footpaths. They have been part of a successful pilot of combined parcel and mail delivery in the mountainous region of Taranaki and have also been tested in road trials in the cities of Auckland and Wellington.
February 18, 2016