Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and Transportation Committee Chair, Councillor Tim Tierney, joined Purolator President and Chief Executive Officer, John Ferguson, to unveil a new fleet of electric cargo bikes (e-bikes) and electric low-speed vehicles that will operate in the city.
The fleet of four e-bikes and two low-speed vehicles will be the first of their kind to operate commercially in Ottawa, each replacing a standard delivery van. They will be used initially to deliver packages year-round in Centretown and the Glebe. The delivery zone will expand to other areas of Ottawa over time. The vehicles will operate out of a new Purolator Shipping Centre and urban distribution centre at 512 Bank Street, which offers 24/7 self-serve shipping options.
The operation of electric vehicles supports the City’s Climate Change Master Plan to transition Ottawa to a clean, renewable, resilient city by 2050. It also supports the Transportation Master Plan through effective movement of goods and reducing truck impacts with new technologies and delivery models, such as smaller urban freight distribution centres, e-bikes and low-speed vehicles. Collectively, Purolator’s new electric vehicles will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 46 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year.
E-bike facts
- Battery life: 40 to 45 km
- Speed: up to 25 km/h
- Capacity: Approximately 60 pieces per trip, depending on size and shape, or up to 500 lbs
- Winterized for year-round operation
- Testing models are manufactured by Devinci, Ester, Trivel and Xpak Industries
Electric low-speed vehicle facts
- Battery life: 90 km
- Speed: up to 40 km/h
- Capacity: Approximately 80 pieces per trip, depending on size and shape, or up to 2,000 lbs
- Testing models are manufactured by SC Carts and Tropos Motors
Ottawa joins Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver as the fourth Canadian city to introduce e-bikes and low-speed vehicles by Purolator.
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Quotes:
“It’s truly commendable to see companies like Purolator taking the right steps towards environmental sustainability. Ottawa wholeheartedly welcomes their innovation as they introduce their electric e-bikes and low-speed vehicles today. This not only aligns with Ottawa’s commitment to a greener future but also sets an inspiring example for others to follow. Congratulations Purolator on this eco-friendly initiative.”
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe
“The use of electric cargo bikes and low-speed vehicles will help reduce congestion on Ottawa roads. These smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicles can easily navigate busy downtown streets, with zero emissions, less noise, and ability to deliver just as many packages as larger, gas-powered vehicles.”
Councillor Tim Tierney, Chair of the Transportation Committee
“Purolator’s ambition is to be the greenest courier company in Canada, which is why we’re committed to investments and partnerships that put innovative and environmentally friendly delivery solutions on the streets of busy urban areas like Ottawa. We’re proud to be launching our fully electric vehicles in our nation’s capital and we look forward to further expanding our fleet in the future.”
John Ferguson, Purolator President and Chief Executive Office