FedEx Express, a subsidiary of FedEx Corp. and the world’s largest express transportation company, announced today the beginning of electric vehicle (EV) trials in the UAE.
According to a press release, the six-month trial represents the debut of zero-tailpipe emissions vehicles for FedEx in the Middle East and North Africa region and will allow for evaluation of the vehicles’ operational effectiveness on typical routes while carrying a full load of packages.
“This first EV trial in the Middle East and North Africa region is a step towards shaping the future of delivery,” said Taarek Hinedi, vice president of FedEx Express Middle East and Africa operations. “The increasing popularity of e-commerce means transforming our operations to be more sustainable is more important than ever”, he added.
Across the broader Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region, FedEx has deployed electric vehicles in a number of countries, with the region’s largest EV fleet in China. FedEx has also introduced EV trials in India, Thailand, and South Africa to help advance emissions reduction goals.
The trial is part of the efforts to achieve carbon-neutral operations globally by 2040. Electrifying the entire FedEx Express pick up and delivery fleet is a core element towards this target. By 2025, FedEx has a goal that 50% of FedEx Express global pick up and delivery vehicle purchases will be electric, rising to 100% by 2030.
The company’s EV trials are also in line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which lays the foundation of environmental sustainbility and climate action as it prepares to host the COP28 next year.