United Parcel Service Inc. (NYSE: UPS) has unveiled new electric truck and it looks too cute to work. The new fleet of 35 lightweight trucks has a rounded retro-futuristic look that many are comparing to the animation studio Pixar’s aesthetic.
UPS said they are working with vehicle manufacturer ARRIVAL on the pilot fleet of electric trucks that have a range of 150 miles on a single charge. UPS will test the trucks in Paris and London before the end of the year.
The high tech trucks feature a “highly advanced vehicle display,” and a wrap-around windshield that gives drivers a wide view of the road. Embedded Advanced Driver Assistance Systems aim to reduce driver fatigue.
UPS to wean off fossil fuels
“UPS is working with ARRIVAL here in the UK because their smart electric vehicles are helping to reduce dependency on fossil fuel. This is a pioneering collaboration that helps UPS develop new ways to reduce our emissions,” said Luke Wake, international director for automotive engineering in the advanced technology group at UPS.
UPS’s relationship with electric vehicles stretches back to the 1930’s and continues strongly today. UPS currently has more than 300 electric vehicles deployed in Europe and the U.S., and nearly 700 hybrid electric vehicles.
UPS backs Tesla Semi
UPS has also been among the first big-name clients to sign on to the Tesla semi. [According to Reuters,] UPS has ordered 125 trucks from Tesla creating the largest pre-order so far. In 2016 UPS achieved its goal of achieving covering 1 billion miles (1.6 billion kilometers) using its fleet of alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles. The milestone was passed a full one year before the intended date.
