The New York launch is a joint initiative with Environmental Defense, Eaton Corporation, and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). 

The FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicles began delivering packages on routes in the New York metropolitan area following an agreement with NYSERDA to demonstrate the viability of lower-emission hybrid powertrains in heavy-duty vehicles. The roll out took place today at a FedEx facility on 48th Street and 12th Avenue in Manhattan. 

"New York City is a dynamic economy with many trucks on its streets essential to keep commerce moving, so it is important that we continue to develop innovative solutions to reduce vehicle emissions," said John Formisano, Vice President of Global Vehicles, FedEx Express. "Today's roll-out not only represents one-half of FedEx's total commitment for these vehicles this year, but is also a positive step in our commitment to effective environmental management as a global corporate priority and in the local communities we serve." 

NYSERDA awarded federal NYCDOT Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality funds to FedEx Express to support the placement of the FedEx OptiFleet E700 hybrid electric vehicle in New York. 

"Governor Pataki has made a commitment to New Yorkers to improve air quality throughout our State, especially here in the New York City area," said Peter R. Smith, President of NYSERDA. "The promotion and use of low-emission, energy-efficient hybrid vehicles is a critical step in achieving cleaner air and a healthier environment." 

Smith commended FedEx Express and its project partners for their efforts on behalf of New York City and said the hybrid project "exemplifies the achievements business, non-profits and government can make when they partner to improve our environment." 

The New York City Department of Transportation, which works closely with NYSERDA, also played a pivotal role in making hybrid vehicles possible in New York. 

"The clean movement of goods in and around New York City is a long standing commitment of the Bloomberg Administration," said NYCDOT Commissioner Iris Weinshall. "I applaud FedEx for taking advantage of our incentive program and putting hybrid technology on the streets of New York. They are taking action all New Yorkers can be thankful for." 

The project began four years ago when Environmental Defense, an organization recognized for its work with industry leaders to create environmental and business innovations, approached FedEx Express about working together to create the next generation delivery vehicle. 

"A revolution in the trucking industry is underway," said Fred Krupp, President, Environmental Defense. "With these trucks FedEx is leading the pack. Environmental Defense now challenges all fleet owners to adopt clean trucks to reduce air pollution, oil dependency and climate change impacts." 

Cleveland, Ohio-based Eaton Corporation, one of the world's most recognized industrial manufacturers, produced the hybrid electric powertrain for the vehicle. 

"Eaton continues to be pleased with the performance - and the potential - of our advanced technology hybrid powertrain system," said Jim Sweetnam, senior vice president and group executive of Eaton's Truck Group. "The system is working well in the FedEx Express trucks in Sacramento, and we look forward to continued success with the New York City roll-out." 

The New York City announcement follows the March roll-out of two FedEx hybrid trucks. These trucks continue to operate and achieve a 99% up-time in the field. 

The FedEx hybrid electric vehicle decreases particulate emissions by 96% and travels 57% farther on a gallon of fuel, reducing fuel costs by over a third. FedEx is currently taking steps to introduce more of these vehicles into its fleet over time. 

FedEx is committed to utilizing the enormous potential represented by hybrids. For example, if 10,000 hybrid electric vehicles were on the road rather than current standard vehicles, substantial reductions in emissions and fuel use would occur annually: 

Smog-causing emissions (nitrogen oxides) would be reduced by 1,700 tons, the equivalent of taking passenger cars off New York City roads for 25 days. 
Carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 83,000 tons, which is equivalent to planting 2 million trees. 
Diesel fuel usage would be reduced by 7.2 million gallons, which requires 1 million barrels of crude oil to produce. 
The project partners, Environmental Defense, FedEx, and Eaton, have worked closely with a number of suppliers to find innovative, cost-effective solutions to bring the production of this vehicle closer to commercialization. Freightliner Custom Chassis was instrumental in supplying the chassis and assembling the 16 vehicles that will be placed into operation in the next few months. Utilimaster, Hitachi, and Detroit Diesel each provided key components and worked with project partners to customize their components for the hybrid trucks.

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