FedEx Corp. is expanding its fleet to add 1,000 Chanje V8100 electric delivery vehicles, buying 100 from Chanje Energy and leasing 900 from Ryder System.

The purpose-built electric vehicles will be operated by FedEx Express for commercial and residential pick-up and delivery services in California.

The vehicles are manufactured by FDG in Hangzhou, China, and purchased through Chanje Energy Inc., the company’s subsidiary for global business.  Ryder System, which will provide support services for all of the vehicles, called it the largest commercial electric vehicle purchase in the United States.

The EVs can travel more than 150 miles when fully charged and have the potential to help FedEx save 2,000 gallons of fuel and cut 20 tons of emissions per vehicle each year. The maximum cargo capacity is around 6,000 pounds.

FedEx has been using all-electric vehicles as part of its pickup-and-delivery fleet since 2009. “We believe that wider adoption of alternative-fuel, electric and hybrid electric vehicles will play a key role in reducing global emissions, while diversifying and expanding renewable energy solutions,” the company said in its announcement.

The fleet is expected to be deployed throughout California over the next two years.

“We continue to see broadening interest in EVs from businesses of various sizes and industries looking to outsource – especially in the final mile delivery space where a smaller, more environmentally-friendly vehicle is required,” said Dennis Cooke, president - Global Fleet Management Solutions for Ryder.

FedEx will have access to Ryder’s network of 800 facilities across North America to support its Chanje electric vehicle fleet. Ryder is the exclusive sales channel, service, and warranty partner for Chanje and its medium-duty EVs.