UPS launches new smart charging system at London depot

UPS has installed a new smart grid at its depot in Camden, London, which will allow all of the depot’s 170 delivery vehicles to go electric.

Described by UPS as a “world first”, the smart grid—the result of the Smart Electric Urban Logistics (SEUL) project in collaboration with UK Power Networks and Cross River Partnership—charges the entire fleet without requiring costly upgrades to the power supply grid. It uses an active network management system and onsite energy storage batteries to modulate power usage levels.

Credit: UPS

Previously the company was only able to charge 65 of its vehicles, having to rely on vehicles with traditional fuel engines for the remainder.

“We are using new technology to work around some big obstacles to electric vehicle deployment, heralding a new generation of sustainable urban delivery services both here in London and in other major cities around the world,” said Peter Harris, director of sustainability for UPS Europe.

As the cost of the electric vehicles becomes more viable in comparison to fuel, UPS believes we are rapidly approaching the deployment of EVs at large scale.

(Source: UPS)