New fleet of electric cargo bikes, vehicles unveiled by Purolator and the City of Ottawa
Posted Sep 8, 2023 05:23:25 PM.
Last Updated Sep 8, 2023 05:24:48 PM.
A new fleet of electric cargo bikes and vehicles has been unveiled by the City of Ottawa and Purolator on Friday, Sept. 8 aiming to meet the capital’s climate change needs.
The fleet includes four e-bikes and two low-speed vehicles and will be the first of their kind to operate commercially in Ottawa.
The e-bikes have a battery life of 40 to 45 kilometres (km) and speeds up to 25 km per hour.
“It’s truly commendable to see companies like Purolator taking the right steps towards environmental sustainability,” said Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe. “Ottawa wholeheartedly welcomes their innovation as they introduce their electric e-bikes and low-speed vehicles today. This not only aligns with Ottawa’s commitment to a greener future but also sets an inspiring example for others to follow. Congratulations Purolator on this eco-friendly initiative.”
The fleet will operate out of a new Purolator Shipping Centre and Urban Distribution Centre at 512 Bank Street, which will be used to deliver packages year-round in the city’s Centretown and Glebe neighbourhoods. The plan is to eventually expand into other areas of the city.
The electric vehicles aim to replace single-standard delivery vans.
“The use of electric cargo bikes and low-speed vehicles will help reduce congestion on Ottawa roads,” said Tim Tierney, city councillor for Beacon Hill- Cyrville and chair of the City’s transportation committee. “These smaller, more environmentally friendly vehicles can easily navigate busy downtown streets, with zero emissions, less noise, and ability to deliver just as many packages as larger, gas-powered vehicles.”
By 2050, the City’s Climate Change Master Plan wants Ottawa to a clean, renewable, resilient city. The six electric vehicles also support the City’s Transportation Master Plan when it to reducing truck impacts.
The City said Purolator’s new electric vehicles will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 46 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) per year.
Ottawa joins Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver as the fourth Canadian city to introduce e-bikes and low-speed vehicles by Purolator.
