Brazil Post to test Renault electric delivery vehicles
One of the biggest postal operators in the world is testing out electric vehicles made by French manufacturer Renault. Brazil Post is hoping to demonstrate that the Kangoo ZE is suitable for its parcel delivery services through a four-month trial that could be extended to a year.
Wednesday saw the first test vehicle delivered to Brazil Post president Wagner Pinheiro de Oliveira at the company’s headquarters in Brasilia.
The vehicle will be used in the Asa Sul, Setor Comercial, Setor Hoteleiro Sul and Esplanada dos Ministérios areas of the Brazilian capital.
Another test vehicle will be used around the metropolitan region of Curitiba in the south of Brazil, where Renault has its national headquarters.
Brazil Post receiving its first electric Kangoo ZE from Renault on Wednesday
Both vehicles are being leased to Brazil Post, with power company Companhia Energetica de Brasilia (CEB) partnering with the postal service to install recharging stations.
The company explained that the trials were part of its efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, under the Environmental Management System it launched late last year.
It said: “The Post Office has a target to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide by 20% by 2020, participating in the broader International Post Corporation (IPC) programme to reduce carbon footprint of the postal sector.”
The Kangoo ZE is a fully electric version of Renault’s Kangoo commercial vehicle, which can handle a load of 650kg, its 60bhp engine offering a range of 170km.
The vehicle is already being used or trialled by various postal operators, particularly in Europe.
Brazil Post serves the world’s fifth largest country by area and population, delivering more than 9bn items each year with a fleet of 19,918 motorcycles, cars and trucks.
