Work Truck Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

UPS Purchases 130 Hybrid-Electric Vehicles

ATLANTA - The 130 hybrids will be deployed next year, with 30 going to New York and New Jersey and 100 to California. UPS estimates these vehicles will save 66,085 gallons of fuel and 671 metric tons of CO2 annually, representing a 35-percent improvement in fuel economy.

by Staff
October 5, 2010
2 min to read


ATLANTA- UPS announced the purchase of 130 next generation hybrid-electric vehicles (HEV) to add to its growing alternative-fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet.

Ad Loading...

The 130 hybrids all will be deployed next year, with 30 going to New York and New Jersey and 100 to California. UPS estimates these vehicles will save 66,085 gallons of fuel and 671 metric tons of CO2 annually, representing a 35 percent improvement in fuel economy - the equivalent of 128 passenger cars being taken off the road, according to UPS.

Ad Loading...

UPS already operates one of the largest private fleets of alternative-fuel vehicles in the transportation industry - 2,022 in total. The company has invested more than $25 million to develop its AFV fleet, which besides hybrid electric includes such other fuels as compressed natural gas, liquefied natural gas, propane and all-electric. The fleet is deployed in eight countries besides the U.S. and since 2000, has traveled 185 million miles.

UPS was the first package delivery company to introduce a hybrid electric vehicle into daily operation with a research program in early 1998. Currently, 250 UPS HEV delivery vehicles are operating in the United States.

The hybrid electric power system utilizes a conventional diesel engine combined with a battery pack, saving fuel and reducing pollution-causing emissions. The energy generated from braking is captured and returned to the battery as electricity. The combination of clean diesel power and electric power, supplemented by regenerative braking, allows dramatic improvements in fuel savings and emissions reductions.

The HEV fleet features two different size vehicles from Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation and a hybrid drive system from Eaton Corporation. The external truck bodies are identical to other UPS signature-brown trucks, with additional labeling identifying them as hybrid electrics.

UPS is ranked No. 2 on Automotive Fleet's 2010 Top 300 Commercial Fleets listing and No. 18 on the Top 50 Green Fleets.

Ad Loading...
Ad Loading...

Originally posted on Automotive Fleet

More Green Fleet

Three compact white utility trucks parked in a row on a paved lot, surrounded by trees, with large windshields, enclosed cabs, and amber warning lights.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseAugust 21, 2026

Narro Trucks Introduces Electric Utility Vehicle

Narro Trucks officially launched its operations on Aug. 20 and hosted a ride and drive to showcase its electric truck, which will be produced in Virginia.

Read More →
GM logo above “Battery Plant Update” on a green energy-themed graphic with battery and sustainability icons.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherAugust 12, 2026

Samsung SDI Takes Full Control of GM Battery JV as Indiana Plant Pivots to Energy Storage

Samsung SDI is taking full control of its Indiana battery plant with GM, marking a major shift from the EV-focused joint venture Charged Fleet first covered in 2023.

Read More →
Port of Tacoma truck driver appreciation event, with a worker in a safety vest handing food to a semi-truck driver beside a “Thank You Truck Drivers” banner.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseAugust 11, 2026

NWSA Taps CALSTART to Administer Zero-Emission Drayage Assistance Program

CALSTART will provide free technical assistance services to drayage fleets serving the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma and looking to transition to cleaner technologies and help decarbonize freight hubs.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Fleet manager stands near an EV charging station and looks toward a row of white cargo vans in a rainy fleet yard. Text reads “EV Fleet Reality Check?”
Green FleetAugust 11, 2026

EV Fleet Reality Check: What Operators Wish They Knew Before Electrifying Their Work Vans

Electric work truck upfits bring new compatibility questions. Learn how parts availability, OEM guidance, power demands, and route planning can affect fleet performance.

Read More →
Create alt text for this image, 40 words or less.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseAugust 4, 2026

Peterbilt Expands Sourcewell Partnership with Electric Vehicle Lineup

Peterbilt Motors Company’s cooperative purchasing agreement with Sourcewell and its Canadian partner, Canoe Procurement Group, now includes including Peterbilt's battery-electric vehicle lineup.

Read More →
Kalmar Ottawa electric terminal tractor drives on a paved roadway with an operator in the cab, showcasing the zero-emission yard truck in an outdoor commercial fleet setting.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseJuly 24, 2026

WTC Group Expands Sustainable Operations with Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV Fleet

Commercial adoption of the Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV terminal tractor continues to grow as customers add the zero-emission yard tractor to their fleets. WTC Group has placed an order for a Kalmar Ottawa T2 EV.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A man in a blue blazer stands beside a ROUSH CleanTech truck and propane autogas fueling dispenser at an industry trade show.
Green Fleetby Lauren FletcherJuly 23, 2026

Where Propane Autogas Fits in Today's Fleet Fuel Strategy

Learn more from PERC's Joel Stutheit, as he explains why propane autogas remains a practical alternative for fleets seeking to reduce emissions without sacrificing operational flexibility.

Read More →
Schneider Electric Charge Pro Level 2 AC commercial EV charger mounted in a parking garage, with an electric vehicle parked nearby. Promotional graphic highlights the Charge Pro charging solution for commercial electric vehicle fleets.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseJuly 22, 2026

Schneider Electric Simplifies Commercial EV Charging with New Charge Pro for the U.S.

Schneider Electric’s updated Charge Pro Level 2 chargers deliver reliable, flexible charging for multi-unit dwellings, fleets and workplaces, as well as public and destination charging locations such as hotels and retail centers.

Read More →
Cover of the "Top 50 Green Fleets" report presented by Automotive Fleet and Inspiration Fleet, featuring an aerial nighttime photo of a lit highway interchange with looping ramps.
SponsoredJuly 16, 2026

The Top 50 Green Fleets

The List Is in: The Top 50 Green Fleets

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Two ChargePoint fast-charging stations branded ONVO stand in a roadside charging area, flanked by signs reserving parking for electric vehicles while charging.
Green Fleetby News/Media ReleaseJuly 14, 2026

ChargePoint and Onvo Expand Highway Fast Charging Across the Northeastern U.S.

ChargePoint is working with Onvo, a locally owned travel plaza brand headquartered in Pennsylvania, to install ultra-fast EV charging stations at locations in the Northeastern U.S.

Read More →