The arrival of 500 new electric delivery vehicles marks the latest development in the modernisation of the Australia Post fleet across Australia.
The vehicles take the form of the three-wheeled Rapide 3 which is used for parcel delivery at the last mile.
Capable of reaching speeds of 80 km/h and covering up to 180km on a single charge, the Rapide 3 can carry up to 150 small parcels, which is a staggering 400 per cent increase in capacity over the outgoing Honda motorbike.
Greater efficiency means less trips are required for each postie and parcels are able to be delivered quicker than in the past.
Australia Post Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Paul Graham says it is a significant investment towards future-proofing sustainable operations.
“This rollout is part of a broader transformation as we build the Australia Post of the future, one that is safer, more sustainable and ready to meet the changing needs of our customers,” Graham says.
“We’ve been investing in electric delivery vehicles for over a decade, and we’re proud to operate Australia’s largest electric delivery vehicle fleet.
“By continuing to invest in an electric fleet, new technology and smarter infrastructure, we’re laying the foundations for a delivery network that can support our communities for decades to come.”
The Rapide 3 offers enhanced stability and manoeuvrability, and is engineered with an integrated canopy and windshield for improved on-road protection and comfort.
Electric delivery vehicles now travel more than 29 million kilometres annually across the Australia Post network and play a vital role in the organisation’s path in targeting Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The latest rollout is supported by purpose-built charging infrastructure at more than 37 sites nationwide, with on-site recharging available at the end of each delivery round.
All 500 Rapide 3 vehicles will be deployed across the network to support the upcoming holiday period, with training already underway to assist Posties with the transition.