Burnaby-based Hemlock Printers is the first customer of Novex Couriers’ electric-powered fleet for daily freight and courier deliveries primarily in Burnaby, Vancouver and Richmond.
The 100-percent electric delivery service provided by Novex is based on trucks manufactured by Smith Electric Vehicles U.S., which licenses the technology from a U.K.-based parent company self-described as the world’s largest manufacturer of commercial electric vehicles. In March 2010, Smith Electric was selected to receive $32 million in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to produce its vehicles.
“We are excited to participate in this initiative with our clients being among the first in Canada to receive emission-free deliveries.,” stated Richard Kouwenhoven, Hemlock VP of Client Services. “It’s another significant step for us as we look to green all aspects of our operation.”
The delivery initiative fits with Hemlock’s recently introduced carbon-neutral printing program, called Zero, which aims to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions 33 percent by 2020. According to Hemlock, each electric truck will save approximately 29 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions yearly, which is equivalent to taking six cars off the road.
“It is important to have partners like Hemlock who are willing to show leadership in using zero emission vehicles to deliver their product,” stated Ken Johnston, Novex President. “Novex has made a commitment to do the right thing for our environment, and the shift to zero emission vehicles is the
future of the delivery business.”
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