Logistics companies are always looking at ways to save on fuel and maintenance and have been eager adopters of electric vehicle technology to cut costs. FedEx Corp said on Tuesday it plans to add 1,000 electric delivery vans from Los Angeles-based startup Chanje.

　　The package delivery company will buy 100 of Chanje's V8100 electric vans from the Los-Angeles based startup and lease the remaining 900 from U.S. truck rental company Ryder System Inc. The electric delivery vans will be operated by FedEx Express for commercial and residential pick-up and delivery services in the United States.

　　All of the EVs will be operated in California.

　　"FedEx continually seeks new ways to maximize operational efficiency, minimize impacts and find innovative solutions through the company's Reduce, Replace, Revolutionize approach to sustainability," said Mitch Jackson, FedEx Chief Sustainability Officer.  "Our investment in these vehicles is part of our commitment to that approach of serving our customers and connecting the world responsibly and resourcefully."

　　The battery powered electric motors have significantly fewer moving parts than fossil fuel engines, resulting in a reduction in maintenance costs, according to Chanje. FedEx will save an average of 70 percent in fuel costs for each Chanje electric van in its fleet.

　　In addition to saving on fuel costs, major delivery companies such as United Parcel Service (UPS) and FedEx have faced pressure from regulators to reduce the environmental impact of their fleets.

　　Electric automakers Tesla is also working on an electric semi truck with plans to sell them to delivery and logistics companies. UPS, FedEx and DHL have placed orders for Tesla's all-electric trucks.

　　The Chanje electric vans will have a range of more than 150 miles when fully charged, with maximum cargo capacity of about 6,000 pounds. The V8100 vans include DC fast-charging and can be recharged to 80 percent in approximately two hours.

　　Last year, Ryder said it would order electric delivery vans from Chanje and become the exclusive U.S. sales and lease partner for the company.

　　Chanje introduced its first electric delivery van in 2017. The company will subsequently offer a full range of medium-duty EVs including trucks, delivery vans, and shuttle buses in a variety of lengths and capacities.  

　　The Chanje V8100 vans are manufactured by FDG Electric Vehicles Ltd, the startup's main investor, in Hangzhou, China.