DARTMOUTH, N.S. — Purolator has nearly doubled its hybrid-electric fleet in Canada, with the addition of 200 HEVs. The addition makes Purolator the logistics company with the largest number of hybrid-electric vehicles in North America, the company announced.

“As our company turns 50, Purolator is proud to continue to lead the industry towards green alternatives,” said Tom Schmitt, president and CEO of Purolator, at the official announcement Dec. 2. “In 2005, Purolator was the first logistics company in Canada to introduce hybrid-electric vehicles. Today, we have the largest fleet in North America.”
 
Since 2005, the replacement of conventional curbside delivery vehicles by hybrid-electric vehicles has helped Purolator reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 2,100 tonnes and save 645,000 litres of fuel, the company said.
 
“The addition of 200 hybrid-electric vehicles is the next step to fulfilling our commitment to protect and preserve the environment we all live in,” added Schmitt.
 
Among the many Purolator locations receiving new hybrid-electric vehicles, 43 will be added to the Halifax and Dartmouth fleet, making Purolator’s fleet operating in the City of Halifax 100% hybrid-electric. An additional 60 HEVs will be added in Guelph, while 19 will be added in Niagara, and finally, 79 in the Greater Toronto Area.
 
In Nova Scotia, Purolator’s hybrid-electric vehicle initiative is partially funded by Conserve Nova Scotia through the ecoNova Scotia Fund for Clean Air and Climate Change.
 
Bill Estabrooks, Minister responsible for Conserve Nova Scotia, who took part in the announcement, saluted the efforts of Purolator towards environmental sustainability: “Purolator has made fuel-efficient technologies a priority and is setting a great example for other businesses in the province.”