NZ Post is to add 60 electric vans to its fleet to replace diesel and petrol vans previously used for last-mile delivery.
This initiative is intended to help the company achieve its science-based target and reduce its emissions by a third by 2030. According to NZ Post, the bulk purchase has enabled it to overcome supply chain challenges in accessing the electric vehicles – a move made possible through an arrangement with New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF), with each party contributing NZ$10m (US$5.6m).
NZ Post received a shipment of 22 new all-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito panel vans at the end of July 2022. It was the first delivery of 60 such vehicles on order, with the remainder due to arrive by the end of 2022. The vans will be made available for NZ Post’s delivery partners to acquire, with the inclusion of an NZ Post incentive. NZ Post, with NZGIF, has structured a deal that offers NZ Post’s contract delivery partners competitive financing and pricing benefits from a tiered leasing model. Alongside this, delivery partners have access to expert independent advice through Carbon Asset Management (also an NZGIF majority-owned entity) on the best option for their individual needs.
Dawn Baggaley, sustainability manager for NZ Post Group, said, “Transport is one of the largest sources of emissions in Aotearoa at 17% – and we are playing our part to help meet our national reduction plans. Our ambitious carbon reduction target aims to have all our own fleet and a quarter of our last-mile delivery contractor fleet electric by 2025 – with the balance of the contractor fleet electric by 2030. It’s a milestone to celebrate at a time when climate change is impacting our communities. It’s a matter of urgency that we do everything we can to reduce emissions, and we are also seeking to assist our delivery partners shifting to low-carbon delivery. Sustainability is embedded in our culture at NZ Post, and this is just another way we’re showing we are committed to our people, our communities and delivering for our planet.”
Craig Weise, CEO of NZGIF, said, “Electric vehicles cost a lot less to run, but the initial purchasing cost can be a barrier. Teaming up with NZGIF and offering this competitive finance deal means our contractors can shift into electric vans sooner rather than later. There are over 2,000 vans in our own fleet and contractor fleet for the last mile that we will be transitioning over to electric to meet our science-based target. We’re excited about this initiative and what it represents for a low-carbon future here in Aotearoa. Not only does this deal help NZ Post electrify their fleet but it will also help kickstart the second-hand commercial EV market, as these vans are on-sold to subsequent owners. This sort of innovative financing is needed to help accelerate investment that supports New Zealand’s decarbonization.”
Diane Tarr, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans Australia and New Zealand, said, “This is a very exciting step toward a more sustainable future for Mercedes-Benz Vans and our important partner NZ Post. We are now ready with a strong customer-centric electric product portfolio and can’t wait to see the eVito come to life on the road through NZ Post and their delivery partners.”