There’s no greater excitement than spying an NZ Post van arriving with that special parcel that’s had you checking the mailbox every two minutes since hitting ‘Add to Cart.’ Now the experience can be even more satisfying, knowing these deliveries are increasingly low carbon.
That’s because the next delivery your local NZ Post courier makes might arrive in one of the new all-electric Mercedes-Benz eVito Panel Vans recently ordered by NZ Post. The company has ordered 60, and the time of order, it was the largest single order of electric Mercedes-Benz Vans by a commercial operator - outside of Europe. A deal made possible through an arrangement with New Zealand Green Investment Finance (NZGIF). Of these 60, 22 are part of its delivery fleet.
New Zealanders have relied on NZ Post’s services for over 170 years and in this time technology and consumer demands – like online shopping - have evolved. Consequently, NZ Post has continually sought to improve how it delivers mail.
With climate change an ever-growing concern, NZ Post’s move towards using electric vehicles within its fleet reflects its adaptability and ongoing mission to put New Zealanders at the forefront of its mission.
“Sustainability is embedded in our culture at NZ Post, and this is just another way we are showing we are committed to our people, our communities and delivering for our planet,” says Dawn Baggaley, NZ Post’s Group Sustainability Manager.
While delivering parcels is what NZ Post is known for, it’s also committed to delivering on its ambitious carbon reduction targets to reduce emissions by a third by 2023. Part of this will be achieved by transitioning its fleet of 2,000 delivery vans from diesel and petrol to electric vehicles.
“It’s a milestone to celebrate at a time when climate change is impacting our communities,” adds Baggaley. “It’s a matter of urgency that we do everything we can to reduce emissions, and we are also seeking to assist our delivery partners by shifting to low carbon delivery.”