FedEx is moving in the right direction. They are embracing new fuel efficient technologies that give them a PR boost for environmental friendly practices but also a financial boost to the bottom line from fuel savings. In Tokyo FedEx is testing a hydrogen powered vehicle from GM. This is a perfect testing environment with stop and start driving, frequent idling and pavement anomalies all of which give engineers a wealth of information about vehicle performance. The adoption of hydrogen fueled vehicles by fleet operators is an obvious answer to the logistical challenges of fueling. The 250 mile range of the vehicle being tested in Tokyo presents less of a challenge to fleet operators who can manage the distance of routes traveled by vehicles. Additionally, limited refueling infrastructure is required as vehicles operate out of centralized locations. Watch for Diesel/Electric hybid vehicles to sweep through the industry in the next three years to be followed by hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.
Of course you may not see the truck or the driver if you have one of these and you send it out to the truck to pick up your packages.
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