UPS has achieved its goal of driving 1 billion miles with its alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet one year earlier than planned.

“We had a big sustainability goal as we set out to make the most of our rolling laboratory by driving 1 billion clean miles in alternative fuel vehicles – that’s the equivalent of well over 4,000 trips to the moon,” said David Abney, chairman and CEO of UPS. “While attaining this goal is new, our commitment to seeking out alternative fuels actually dates back to the 1930s when UPS tested electric vehicles. With more than 100,000 drivers logging more than 3 billion miles per year, our future depends on our ability to meet the growing demand for global trade while reducing our impact on the environment.”

UPS set out in 2012 to reach 1 billion miles by 2017 with its rolling lab, which consists of more than 7,200 vehicles deployed around the world, such as electric-assisted bicycles and electric and hybrid trucks.

“The question wasn’t ‘Should we make alternative fuels work?’” said Mike Whitlatch, vice president of global energy and procurement. “Instead, it was ‘What’s the best way to make alternative fuels work for UPS, and for the environment?’ After more than a decade of focus, we are now driving more than 1 million miles globally each business day in our alternative fuel and advanced technology fleet.”

By the end of 2016, more than US$750 million will have been invested in alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles and fueling stations across the world since 2009, according to UPS.