US-based delivery company UPS has placed an order of 10,000 purpose-built electric vehicles from Arrival.

The order will support UPS to make the transition to a zero-emissions fleet.

The purpose-built electric vehicles will be designed according to UPS specifications and will be rolled out from 2020 to 2024 across the UK, Europe and North America.

Vehicle purchase prices were not disclosed.

The vehicles will be equipped with the latest advanced control and safety features to improve operational efficiency.

UPS also has the option to purchase an additional 10,000 vehicles during the rollout period. The delivery company can fast-track orders as necessary.

Meanwhile, UPS’ venture capital arm has made a minority investment in Arrival.

UPS Global Fleet Maintenance & Engineering president Carlton Rose said: “Our investment and partnership with Arrival is directly aligned with UPS’s transformation strategy, led by the deployment of cutting-edge technologies.

“These vehicles will be among the world’s most advanced package delivery vehicles, redefining industry standards for electric, connected and intelligent vehicle solutions.”

The order builds on an earlier collaboration between UPS and Arrival. In 2016, the two companies partnered to develop concepts of different vehicle sizes.

Arrival founder and CEO Denis Sverdlov said: “UPS has been a strong strategic partner of Arrival, providing valuable insight to how electric delivery vans are used on the road and how they can be optimised for drivers.

“Together our teams have been creating bespoke electric vehicles, based on our flexible skateboard platforms, that meet the end-to-end needs of UPS from driving, loading / unloading, depot and back office operations.”

Arrival plans to build the electric vehicles in micro-factories, using in-house-developed, lightweight and durable materials.

Founded in 2015, Arrival is engaged in developing purpose-built electric vehicles. The company is headquartered in the UK with further offices in the US, Germany, Netherlands, Israel and Russia.