Australian Post initiates the largest-ever electric van trial in its operations

A new era of sustainability is upon us, as two distinct sectors – renewable energy and electric transportation – take significant strides forward. On one hand, EnergySage, a free service, is making solar installations more accessible and affordable for homeowners. On the other, Australia Post is leading the charge in the adoption of electric delivery vehicles, with the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz eVito vans.

EnergySage, a trusted resource, offers a platform that connects consumers with reliable solar installers, providing competitive pricing. The service also offers unbiased Energy Advisors to guide individuals throughout the solar installation process. By using EnergySage, homeowners can save up to 30% compared to going it alone.

Meanwhile, in the transportation sector, the Mercedes-Benz eVito electric van is proving to be an ideal choice for delivery vehicles, particularly for stop-and-go work. The eVito, based on the VS20 Vito model, boasts a 60 kWh battery rated for a range of 261 km (162 miles). However, real-world range may be higher due to low-speed, high-regenerative braking duty cycles.

The Australian government's commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 includes the introduction of electric vehicles into its delivery fleet. As a demonstration of this commitment, Australia Post is conducting a trial with 36 new Mercedes-Benz eVito electric vans. These vehicles will primarily operate in highly populated metro areas, with the new eVito vans, once deployed at scale, expected to have a positive impact on local air quality and respiratory health.

Mercedes-Benz Vans Courier Solutions further simplifies the transition to electric delivery vehicles by making it easier for fleets to customise their vans. The success of this deployment may challenge assumptions about the readiness of electric postal vehicles for widespread use.

Australia Post's fleet already includes more than 3,600 three-wheeled electric delivery vehicles, 1,500 e-bikes, nearly 200 UBCO DUTY electric motorcycles, and several Mitsubishi eFUSO electric box vans. The official Mercedes-Benz eVito specs and measurements, including images, can be found in a detailed brochure, available for public viewing on the EnergySage and Mercedes-Benz websites.

In summary, EnergySage is streamlining the process of finding trusted solar installers and offering competitive pricing, while Australia Post is leading the way in the adoption of electric delivery vehicles. Both initiatives are significant steps towards a more sustainable future.