US commercial fleet management company, Ryder, has ordered 1,000 medium-duty electric panel vans from energy solutions firm, Chanje.

Ryder and FedEx have now executed a truck leasing and preventative maintenance agreement primarily for Ryder’s ChoiceLease fleet. The purpose-built electric vehicles will be operated by FedEx Express for commercial and residential pickup and delivery services in the US.

The fleet is expected to be deployed throughout California over the next two years.

“With our focus on innovation and technology, combined with our entry into the EV market more than a year ago, we’ve made it easy for customers such as FedEx to adopt sustainable, advanced vehicle technologies,” said Dennis Cooke, President - Global Fleet Management Solutions for Ryder. “We continue to see broadening interest in EVs from businesses of various sizes and industries looking to outsource – especially in the final mile delivery space where a smaller, more environmentally-friendly vehicle is required.”

FedEx will have access to Ryder’s network of 800 facilities across North America to support its Chanje electric vehicle fleet, which will help maximise uptime, lower costs, and keep the FedEx fleet moving. Ryder is the exclusive sales channel, service, and warranty partner for Chanje and its medium-duty EVs, also providing truck leasing and preventive maintenance solutions to customers.

The Chanje all-electric large delivery style van is equipped to haul up to 6,000 pounds (2,721kg) and up to 675 cubic feet (19.1m) of cargo, all with zero vehicle exhaust emissions and up to 150-mile (241km) range on a single charge. The Chanje EVs are configured to match the current shelving, specifications, and workflow that FedEx Express delivery drivers use today, without the emissions, noise, or maintenance associated with gas or diesel vehicles.

“Ryder is intently focused on emerging fleet technologies and works closely with new equipment manufacturers and technology providers,” said Chris Nordh, Ryder Senior Director of Advanced Vehicle Technology. “These actions enable the new equipment manufacturers and technology providers to springboard into the North American market and with Ryder there to ensure safe, high quality, and cost effective service, maintenance, and warranty for advanced vehicle technology solutions.”

Chanje is a private US corporation with technology and investment from its co-founding partner, Hong Kong based, FDG Electric Vehicles Limited (FDG).

Chanje partnered with FDG to leverage its battery and electric vehicle technology and economies of scale to convert large North American commercial fleets to zero-emission as efficiently as possible.

In other news, last month, Ryder received 15 curtain-siders for logistics provider, Woodland Group.