UPS and Electric Vehicles International Begin Demonstration of Fully Electric Walk-In Van

Thursday, September 2, 2010
 

STOCKTON, Calif., Sept. 2 -- Today, Electric Vehicles International (EVI) announced that UPS has begun a 90-day demonstration trial of their walk-in van (EVI-WI). Over the past year, EVI and UPS have worked together to develop a vehicle to meet the needs of the parcel delivery service industry.

The EVI-WI is built on a Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) glider equipped with a Utilimaster body. Earlier this year, EVI received California Air Resource Board (CARB) approval for the EVI-WI. Customers who purchase the EVI-WI can take advantage of a $20,000 CARB rebate through the Hybrid Truck and Bus Incentive Project (HVIP).

The 90-day demonstration process with UPS will be split into three 30-day, smaller demonstrations in vastly different regional locations. The vehicle demonstration will begin in Sacramento, followed by San Francisco and concluding in Reno.

"We are excited to partner with UPS and to see the results of the demonstration" said Steve Riley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for EVI. "We believe the 3 regional locations will help prove that our truck can perform in any setting from urban to hills and various climate conditions," said Riley.

"UPS has been supporting emerging alternative fuel technologies since the 1930s with our first electric powered vehicles operating in New York City," said Mike Britt, Director of Automotive Maintenance and Engineering.  "We currently operate over 2,000 alternative fuel vehicles worldwide with a variety of hybrid, electric and natural gas technologies. This project extends our commitment to addressing our environmental impact in the communities where we operate."

About Electric Vehicles International:

EVI is a pioneer in zero emission electric vehicle development, manufacturing and deployment, with over 20 years of success optimizing zero emission, all-electric Powertrains.  Our vehicles are manufactured with the most efficient electric motors and the safest, longest-lasting batteries, seamlessly integrated into tough American-built chassis relied upon by fleet operators throughout the nation and the world. To participate in a vehicle demonstration, please visit our website at www.evi-usa.com or call (877) 271-9765.

About UPS:

UPS  pursues a wide range of socially responsible and sustainable business practices designed to reduce its impact on the environment and improve communities around the world.  UPS operates one of the largest fleets of alternative fuel vehicles in its industry with more than 2,000 vehicles and continues to invest in alternative fuel technologies and operational efficiencies to reduce its carbon footprint. UPS is included in the Dow Jones and FTSE4Good Sustainability Indexes, which evaluate corporations based on economic, environmental and social criteria.  Learn more about UPS's responsible business practices at www.ups.com/responsibility.