Purolator launches delivery vehicles in Toronto and Montreal to expand zero-emission fleet

Purolator rolls out more e-bikes and new electric low-speed vehicles in Toronto, Ont., and Montreal, Que. PHOTO: Purolator Inc.

TORONTO — On Oct. 19, Purolator will be launching delivery vehicles to increase network capacity, reduce its carbon footprint and provide greater fleet flexibility in urban centres.

“More than ever, we’re committed to helping dense metropolitan cities operate more smoothly through new delivery methods that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said John Ferguson, Purolator president and CEO, in a prepared statement.

The company is rolling out new and expanded sustainable operational innovations to lower vehicle emissions and improve customer experience in densely populated areas by:

• Testing new fully electric low-speed vehicles to reduce noise and traffic congestion when delivering within busy downtown core areas of Toronto, Ont., and Montreal, Que. The compact size of low-speed vehicles make delivering on busy streets with limited parking more manageable, as they take up less than half the space of a traditional delivery truck.
• Expanding its fleet of electric-cargo bikes (e-bikes) in Montreal to manoeuvre through pedestrian-only and zero-emission zones and street closures. Additionally, the e-bikes can be parked on sidewalks for delivery within restricted-parking areas.
• Piloting automated self-serve parcel lockers at Honoré-Beaugrand subway station in Montreal.

Since the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Purolator has seen residential deliveries increase approximately 50%, including in areas designated as pedestrian-only or those with limited access for delivery trucks. Purolator’s low-speed vehicles and e-bikes offer quick service to these spots by providing a flexible alternative for delivery. As regulations around transportation and city logistics continue to evolve, these alternative vehicles provide an agile solution with the ability to deliver the same number of packages as a standard-size delivery truck.

“Purolator has made important sustainability investments as part of our $1 billion delivering the future growth and innovation plan,” said Ferguson. “We’ve consistently evolved over our 60-year history to stay one step ahead of change. Our goal is to continuously innovate, adapt intelligently and provide workable solutions for the unique challenges of urban growth, along with the growth in B2B, e-commerce and home deliveries, particularly as the economy navigates through the COVID-19 pandemic.”