American automotive and industrial manufacturer Harbinger has announced that it has received an order for 2000 of its all-electric trucks from FedEx, with a total order value which exceeds $300 million. This transaction, believed to be one of the largest binding orders for electric medium or heavy duty trucks, marks an expansion of FedEx’s use of Harbinger vehicles and is a step in its fleet electrification strategy.
The vehicles are planned for delivery by the end of 2027 for deployment across FedEx pick up and delivery operations in the United States and Canada. This order builds upon a previously successful deployment of Harbinger vehicles within the FedEx network.
‘FedEx is demonstrating that the business case for incorporating electric vehicles into real world fleet operations at scale makes sense,’ said John Harris, co-founder and CEO, Harbinger. ‘Our previous work together gave FedEx first hand experience with the performance and economic advantages Harbinger vehicles can deliver. We are proud that a global leader like FedEx is turning its sustainability goals into action by choosing Harbinger to help expand its electric fleet.’
The vehicles will serve as one for one replacements for conventional vehicles, supporting FedEx’s efforts to reduce emissions and modernise its fleet. The order includes a mix of models from the all-electric vehicle line up.
‘Electrifying a fleet at this scale requires vehicles that can perform the work our robust operations demand while also delivering meaningful economic benefits,’ said Paul Melander, senior vice president safety and transportation, FedEx and member of Harbinger’s board of directors. ‘Expanding our deployment of Harbinger vehicles gives us an opportunity to continue making progress toward our fleet electrification goals while reducing fuel and operating costs.’
‘The transportation industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and electrification is set to play a pivotal role in the future of commercial fleets,’ said Vinay D’Souza, senior vice president of global assets and infrastructure, FedEx. ‘This order with Harbinger helps us advance that transition, allowing us to build a more modern, efficient, and intelligent fleet that meets the evolving needs of our customers, our team members, and our global operations.’
The shift to electric vehicles can generate substantial operating savings for commercial fleets. Harbinger estimates that each of its electric trucks reduce fuel costs by an average of $20,000 annually, compared with the conventional diesel vehicle it replaces. The vehicles are designed and engineered for a service life of 20 years, to match the typical life of class 5 and 6 medium duty trucks. As a result, the company estimates that 2000 vehicles, deployed into a single fleet operating in North America, can generate approximately $40 million in annual fuel savings, or $800 million over a typical 20 year vehicle life. This fuel savings also comes with substantial environmental benefits. Based on current published data from the Department of Energy, Harbinger estimates that replacing 2000 diesel trucks with Harbinger electric trucks will avoid more than 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over their operating lives.
In addition to the economic and environmental benefits, Harbinger vehicles are designed with the driver experience in mind. The vehicles feature improved suspension and handling to enhance comfort and reduce fatigue, along with modern safety and advanced driver assistance technology. The vehicles also give drivers responsive steering and a 42 foot turning diameter, making them easier to manoeuvre, including on tight city and residential streets.
Harbinger plans to build and deliver all 2000 vehicles within approximately 18 months. Its Canadian dealer, Kaizen Automotive Group, will support the Canadian portion of the deployment.