FedEx has ordered 2,000 all-electric trucks from Harbinger in a deal the manufacturer values at more than $300 million, with deliveries planned by the end of 2027. The trucks will go into FedEx pickup and delivery operations across the United States and Canada, according to Harbinger. The company says it believes the transaction is one of the largest binding orders for electric medium- or heavy-duty trucks in history.
Highlights
- Order size: 2,000 all-electric trucks with a total order value above $300 million.
- Timeline: Harbinger plans to build and deliver all 2,000 vehicles within about 18 months, with deliveries planned by the end of 2027.
- Fuel savings: Harbinger estimates each truck cuts fuel costs by an average of $20,000 per year compared with the diesel vehicle it replaces.
- Emissions: The company estimates the 2,000 trucks will avoid more than 1.7 million tons of CO2 over their operating lives.
Order Expands an Existing FedEx Relationship
The order expands FedEx’s use of Harbinger vehicles and builds on an earlier deployment within the FedEx network. FedEx also co-led Harbinger’s $160 million Series C equity raise.
The order includes a mix of models from Harbinger’s all-electric lineup. The trucks will serve as one-for-one replacements for conventional vehicles, supporting FedEx’s fleet electrification strategy and its efforts to reduce emissions.
“FedEx is demonstrating that the business case for incorporating electric vehicles into real-world fleet operations at scale makes sense,” said John Harris, co-founder and CEO of Harbinger. “Our previous work together gave FedEx firsthand experience with the performance and economic advantages Harbinger vehicles can deliver. We are proud that a global leader like FedEx is turning its sustainability goals into action by choosing Harbinger to help expand its electric fleet.”
How Much Can Electric Trucks Save a Delivery Fleet?
Harbinger estimates its electric trucks cut fuel costs by an average of $20,000 per truck each year compared with diesel equivalents. The company says it designs its vehicles for a 20-year service life, matching the typical life of Class 5 and 6 medium-duty trucks.
On that basis, Harbinger estimates that 2,000 trucks deployed in a single North American fleet could save about $40 million in fuel per year, or $800 million over a typical 20-year vehicle life. Citing current published Department of Energy data, the company also estimates the replacement of 2,000 diesel trucks would avoid more than 1.7 million tons of CO2 emissions over their operating lives.
FedEx Executives on Fleet Electrification
Paul Melander, senior vice president of safety and transportation at FedEx, also sits on Harbinger’s board of directors.
“Electrifying a fleet at this scale requires vehicles that can perform the work our robust operations demand while also delivering meaningful economic benefits,” Melander said. “Expanding our deployment of Harbinger vehicles gives us an opportunity to continue making progress toward our fleet electrification goals while reducing fuel and operating costs.”
Vinay D’Souza, senior vice president of global assets and infrastructure at FedEx, framed the order as part of a broader shift in commercial fleets.
“The transportation industry is undergoing a fundamental transformation, and electrification is set to play a pivotal role in the future of commercial fleets,” D’Souza said. “This order with Harbinger helps us advance that transition, allowing us to build a more modern, efficient, and intelligent fleet that meets the evolving needs of our customers, our team members, and our global operations.”
Vehicle Design and Delivery Plan
Harbinger says it designed the trucks around the driver. Features cited by the company include:
- Suspension and handling tuned to improve comfort and reduce driver fatigue
- Safety systems including modern safety and advanced driver assistance technology
- Maneuverability from responsive steering and a 42-foot turning diameter, suited to tight city and residential streets
Harbinger plans to build and deliver all 2,000 vehicles within approximately 18 months. The company’s Canadian dealer, Kaizen Automotive Group, will support the Canadian portion of the deployment.
