Australia Post has begun a pilot deployment of 36 Mercedes-Benz eVito electric vans. The agency’s existing fleet includes some 3,600 three-wheeled delivery vehicles and several Mitsubishi eFUSO electric box vans. This will be its largest electric van trial to date.

Mercedes’ eVito features a 60 kWh battery pack and an 85 kW (115 hp) motor. The company’s factory upfit program, Mercedes-Benz Vans Courier Solutions, allows customers to spec out their vans exactly the way they want them. Australia Post will work with the automaker to train team members and support the smooth introduction of the new electric vans.

Australia Post expects the eVito electric van’s 162-mile range to be sufficient for the stop-and-go duty cycle of a delivery vehicle. Could drivers actually see more real-world range” That’s the sort of question this 36-van pilot is meant to answer. The vans will be powered by 100% renewable electricity thanks to Australia Post’s existing charging infrastructure.

“This is a meaningful step forward as we continue building a modern, sustainable delivery network that meets the evolving needs of our customers while reducing our environmental impact,” said Australia Post Chief Sustainability Officer Richard Pittard.

Sources: Electrek, The Driven