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In 2000, FedEx Express and Environmental Defense Fund struck an alliance to develop a delivery truck that dramatically decreases emissions while increasing fuel economy. The result was a diesel-electric hybrid, an ideal application for hybrid technology, given the frequent stopping and starting of delivery trucks and the amount of pollution and greenhouse gases they emit.

As the trucks succeeded in meeting project goals, FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric trucks have been placed in the company’s pick up and delivery fleet as early as Fall 2004. FedEx Express expects to purchase hybrid electric vehicles on the company’s normal purchasing schedule for routes in the U.S. and Canada, where medium-sized delivery trucks are used. This program has the potential to replace the company’s 30,000 medium duty trucks over the next 10 years.