As part of its efforts to provide safer, more sustainable and efficient parcel deliveries, Australia Post is rolling out 500 new three-wheeled Rapide 3 electric delivery vehicles.
The vehicles will be able to carry up to 150 small parcels, a 400% increase in capacity compared with Australia Post’s outgoing Honda motorbike, and will cover up to 180km on a single charge.
Paul Graham, Australia Post group chief executive officer and managing director, explained, “This rollout is part of a broader transformation as we build the Australia Post of the future – one that is safer, more sustainable and ready to meet the changing needs of our customers.
“We’ve been investing in electric delivery vehicles for over a decade, and we’re proud to operate Australia’s largest electric delivery vehicle fleet.
“By continuing to invest in an electric fleet, new technology and smarter infrastructure, we’re laying the foundations for a delivery network that can support our communities for decades to come.”
The latest vehicle rollout is supported by purpose-built charging infrastructure at more than 37 sites nationwide, with on-site recharging available at the end of each delivery round. All 500 Rapide 3 vehicles will be deployed across the network to support the upcoming peak period, with training already underway to assist posties with the transition.
In related news, Omniva has deployed autonomous parcel delivery vans in Estonia