Australia Post introduces 175 electric motorbikes for mail delivery services

August 26, 2024 TruthUSA

The bikes can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour, emit lower levels of climate-harming emissions, and operate quietly.

Australia Post is set to introduce 175 new electric motorbikes to its fleet in a bid to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

The new electric motorbikes utilize cutting-edge electric vehicle (EV) technology and run silently.

Capable of reaching speeds of 80 kilometers per hour without emitting any tailpipe emissions, these bikes contribute to reducing air pollution.

Manufactured by UBCO Electric Utility Bikes based in New Zealand, these electric motorbikes will be launched across all states and territories in Australia.

Australia Post announced on Aug. 26 that the new fleet will commence deliveries in the Australian community next month.

Pivotal Moment

Australia Post CEO and Managing Director, Paul Graham, hailed the launch of the bikes as a significant moment for the postal service.

“This new fleet enables us to electrify a broader range of routes, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and further advancing our sustainability objectives. We are proud to incorporate state-of-the-art solutions that benefit our team members, customers, and the environment,” he stated.

The bikes come with various safety features, including LED lighting systems and reflective red side panels for enhanced visibility.

The government-owned mail and parcel delivery company is optimistic that the introduction of electric motorbikes will aid in reducing emissions, cutting operational costs, and enhancing delivery efficiency.

UBCO initiated talks with Australia Post in November 2022, with trials commencing in 2023. Mail delivery field trials took place in Sydney, Melbourne, and Tasmania in mid-2023.

In early 2024, a contract was signed between the company and Australia Post to roll out the 175 motorbikes nationwide.

UBCO’s Chief Executive, Oliver Hutaff, expressed their long history of experimenting with electric fleets since their inception on a New Zealand farm a decade ago.

“Through our partnership with Australia Post, we have developed a vehicle that meets the demanding requirements of high-volume delivery while also reducing environmental impact and operational expenses. We are excited to collaborate with Australia Post as they launch this new fleet,” she mentioned.

“Our latest model, the UBCO Duty, is designed for companies seeking efficient, low-emission delivery solutions.”

Electric motorbikes convert a high proportion of battery energy to wheel energy, making them highly energy efficient. Additionally, the postal service operates electric pushbikes, trucks, and electric delivery vehicles.

Australia Post has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The company also aims to utilize 100 percent renewable electricity by 2025 across its facilities, including processing and delivery centers.

Australia Post Drops Carbon Credits Delivery Program

The introduction of the new EV motorbike fleet follows Australia Post’s termination of its Carbon Neutral Deliveries program on Aug. 12.

The program involved offsetting carbon emissions generated by its delivery services.

Australia Post clarified its decision to focus on reducing its carbon footprint rather than relying on offsets.

“Effective Aug. 12, 2024, MyPost business deliveries will no longer be able to promote your MyPost Business deliveries as carbon neutral,” mentioned Australia Post in a letter seen by The Epoch Times.

The national postal service is concentrating on achieving its enterprise emissions reduction goal, which includes net zero emissions.

“We are unwavering in our commitment to building a more sustainable future and reducing the carbon footprint of our operations and deliveries through impactful measures,” noted Australia Post.

Electric Motorbike Safety

A report from March 2024 by market intelligence firm MotorCycles Data highlighted the significantly lower noise levels of electric motorbikes compared to gas-powered bikes.

An electric vehicle review by ReCharge Commute also indicated that electric vehicles could enhance focus while driving and “potentially reduce the risk of accidents.”

However, MotorCycles Data cautioned that the low noise levels could pose certain risks.

“Due to their quiet operation, pedestrians and motorists may not be aware of their proximity, leading to an increased risk of accidents,” as mentioned by the authors here.

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