Pilot project: courier runs with hybrid drive

The express airfreight and courier service company FedEx Express put the first of two delivery vehicles featuring a hybrid drive into regular daily use in Sacramento, California/USA. The FedEx OptiFleet E700 is based on the proven FedEx W700 standard delivery van, which FedEx operates in large numbers. This vehicle combines a Freightliner MT-45 SR chassis with a Utilimaster panel van body. The hybrid variant is equipped with a 125 kW / 170 hp Mercedes-Benz OM 904 diesel engine and a hybrid-electric drive train from the American firm Eaton, consisting of a 44 kW / 60 hp electric motor and an automated manual transmission. 18 more vehicles will be put into service in the course of the year as part of a pilot project.