It seems that the U.S. Postal Service aren’t the only ones hopping on the green delivery boat as it was recently made known that the University of Alberta has purchased 4 hybrid delivery trucks like the one above.
The hybrid vehicles are based on the Ford E450 and created by Azure Dynamics. Each truck features an electric motor mounted on the drive shaft, electric only drive for low speed, and regenerative braking capabilities. Of course, it will still have the less environment friendly 5.4 liter V8 found in normal Ford E450s.
Press release, thanks to AutoBlogGreen, after the break.
OAK PARK, MI, May 13, 2009 — Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD) – (”Azure”) or (the “Company”), a leading developer of state-of-the-art green technologies that address environmental and cost issues for the commercial transportation industry, announced today that four Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric trucks were sold to the University of Alberta. The trucks will be predominantly used for campus mail delivery to over 100 buildings with more than 1,000 mail delivery and pickup points daily.
“Azure Dynamics has deep roots in Western Canada, so it is very rewarding to partner with the University of Alberta and provide an environmentally friendly solution for its campus mail service,” said Scott Harrison, Azure Dynamics Chief Executive Officer. “In the past two quarters, Azure has shipped over 100 trucks into Canada making it a very significant market for our company.”
With its electric-launch assist, engine-off at idle and regenerative braking, the Azure Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric is ideally suited for the tough start and stop conditions endured by mail delivery vehicles. As a result, the University of Alberta can expect considerable benefits in terms of fuel efficiency and maintenance costs while also reducing its carbon foot print and improving its campus air quality.
Freedom Ford, Canada’s largest Ford Commercial Dealer located in Edmonton, Alberta acted as the coordinator to deliver these vehicles to the University of Alberta. Joe Holland, Freedom’s Commercial Fleet Manager, said, “With environmental stewardship a key priority for Canadian businesses both large and small, Freedom Ford has focused on the supply and delivery of Ford Motor Company hybrid technologies and now has the ability to meet the growing commercial demand by partnering with Azure Dynamics. Azure’s Ford E-series hybridization allows for a wide range of creative solutions including cargo and shuttle configurations to provide flexibility without any sacrifice in performance, durability or utility.”
“The sales to the University of Alberta are a direct result of Azure’s effort to enlist a regional dealership network,” said Jay Sandler, Azure Dynamics Vice President of Sales. “We already have more than 25 dealers in major markets like Miami, Boston, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Toronto and others. These dealers are telling us that their commercial truck customers are increasingly interested in hybrid vehicle solutions that improve fuel economy and lower maintenance costs. Our Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric product addresses these needs. We expect our dealer partners to continue to bring us new customers like Freedom Ford did with University of Alberta.”