OTTAWA, Ont. — Canada Post has taken delivery of what it claims to be the first Transit Connect Electric commercial delivery vehicle in Canada.

The all-electric commercial van is built on a Ford Transit Connect vehicle body with Azure Dynamics’ Force Drive battery-electric powertrain. It’s the first of 10 emissions-free battery-powered delivery vehicles that Canada Post has committed to purchasing.

The remaining units will be put into service in 2011, Canada Post announced.

“It is important for companies such as Canada Post to show leadership and explore ways to reduce their overall carbon footprint,” said Rob Merrifield, Minister of State (Transport). “Canadians should be pleased that their postal service will deliver mail in a more environmentally-friendly manner.”

“We have the largest delivery fleet in the country and we are committed to improving our environmental record,” added Doug Jones, senior vice-president, operations, Canada Post. “Developing partnerships with companies like Ford and Azure allows us to implement new technologies that meet our delivery needs.”

The all-electric delivery vans will be able to cover 130 kilometres on a single charge.

“Commercial fleets like Canada Post endure difficult duty cycles and are under constant cost and performance pressure,” said Mike Elwood, vice-president of marketing with Azure Dynamics. “Transit Connect Electric is a significant technological achievement that can meet the challenge with quiet, clean and lower-cost operations.”