March 24, 2023 – Canada Post Corp. announced its Nanaimo, B.C., depot will be the first to deploy battery electric corporate delivery vehicles. The depot will use 14 fully electric cargo vans for collection and delivery services, replacing internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Custom-built for Canada Post by Morgan Olson (manufacturer of walk-in step-van bodies), the C250 meets the demands of Canada Post’s delivery operations and safety requirements. While the C250 was initially developed as a gasoline model, Canada Post joined Morgan Olson at Work Truck Week in Indianapolis, Ind., to unveil an all-electric demonstration model.

“We’re committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, and electrifying our fleet will be key to that,” said Alexandre Brisson, vice-president, Operations Transformation at Canada Post. “The all-electric demonstration vehicle we unveiled today is a symbol of our ongoing innovation and the important steps we’re taking now to create a zero-emission fleet by 2040 for various vehicle classes, including right-hand drives.”

Canada Post took part in an unveiling of the first all-electric C250 delivery truck at Work Truck Week 2023 in Indianapolis, Ind. Source: Canada Post Corp.

As part of its plan to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, Canada Post has committed to electrifying half of its national fleet of about 14,000 vehicles by 2030, and the entire fleet by 2040.

“Last year, the corporation set aside more than $1 billion to cut emissions and move forward on the electrification of its last mile fleet,” said Suromitra Sanatani, chair, board of directors, Canada Post Corp. “This critical investment has led to important progress on Canada Post’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.”

“When you look at the size of our network, this depot may be a small first step, but it’s an important one as we start to build momentum,” noted Doug Ettinger, president & CEO, Canada Post Corp.

Standing by one of the new fully electric cargo vans at Canada Post’s Nanaimo, B.C., depot are (left to right): Canada Post’s Suromitra Sanatani, chair, board of directors; Doug Ettinger, president & CEO; Sally Dam, director, Urban Delivery Strategy. Photo: Pinpoint National Photography. Courtesy: Canada Post.

The corporation says it is still in the preliminary stage of its fleet electrification—introducing vehicles at select plants and depots to evaluate what equipment, charging infrastructure and approaches are best suited to its operational needs.

The company says it has also been testing other “innovative, sustainable delivery options”, such as e-cargo trikes (which can travel on bike paths) and a compact, low-speed electric cargo vehicle suitable “for some neighbourhood delivery routes”.

Canada Post says it will be going to market to compete for new vehicles in a variety of classes.