Azure Dynamics Corp. (Vancouver, BC), a developer of hybrid-electric power trains for commercial vehicles, announced that it has sold two new zero-emission, all-electric Azure CitiVans to the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and delivered them to the United States Postal Service fleet serving the Flushing Post Office in Queens, NY. Azure CitiVans are 2-ton delivery trucks, replacing diesel-powered trucks used to transport mail and bulk packages between central distribution facilities and neighborhood post boxes serving the Flushing, Queens, neighborhood.
The vehicles are the first of their kind to be used in Queens, and were especially sought to help address air quality concerns in Queens. The NYPA has supplied funding for 30 Azure electric delivery trucks already in service at postal facilities elsewhere in New York City. The CitiVan by Azure has a range of 40 miles on a complete charge, with a top speed of 60 miles per hour. To improve overall energy efficiency, each vehicle has regenerative braking to capture lost energy while braking. Over the course of a year, each truck will eliminate about 4,833 pounds of carbon dioxide, 32 pounds of nitrogen oxide, and 1 pound of particulate matter. There are currently 55 Azure CitiVans in service.
"We are very pleased to assist the New York Power Authority and the United States Postal Service in their continuing efforts to improve the quality of the air in Queens," said Azure Dynamics Vice-President of Sales Mark Federle. "Working with NYPA, Azure identified additional opportunities where our electric drive vehicles can continue to have a positive effect on the streets of New York."
