United Rentals supplying electric vehicles to Formosa Plastics

Starting in late August, United Rentals will begin delivery of 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning electric trucks and 2022 Ford E-Transit electric vans to Formosa Plastics’ Texas facility. (Photo: United Rentals)

Formosa Plastics Corp. U.S.A., a vertically integrated supplier of plastic resins and petrochemicals, has committed to converting its fleet of more than 400 internal combustion vehicles to electric and hybrid by 2026. To further that goal, it is partnering with United Rentals to deliver 2022 Ford F-150 Lightning all-electric trucks and 2022 Ford E-Transit all-electric vans to add to its fleet. Once delivered, Formosa Plastics will become among the first in South Texas to receive the all-electric vehicles. It intends to lease some of the vehicles and purchase others.

“United Rentals understood Formosa Plastics’ commitment to meeting our sustainability goals. We take these commitments very seriously, and this is just the first of many examples to demonstrate our desire to be a leader in implementing sustainable solutions,” said Mike Rivet, director of Special Projects in the General Manager’s Office at Formosa Plastics. In addition to converting its fleet, Formosa Plastics is also evaluating green power opportunities in South Texas.

“Both Formosa Plastics and United Rentals are committed to sustainability efforts that will have a tangible impact on the environment,” said Joli Gross, senior vice president, general counsel & corporate secretary at United Rentals. “This partnership is an example of teams using innovative and eco-conscious ways to Work United and build a better, more sustainable future together.”

The F-150 Lightning has a maximum target range of 320 miles and maximum towing capacity of 10000 lb. (Photo: United Rentals)

United Rentals announced earlier this year an agreement with Ford Pro, Ford’s global vehicle services and distribution business, to acquire all-electric trucks and vans for both its North American rental and company fleets. The agreement included the Ford F-150 Lightning, which has a maximum target range of 320 miles and maximum towing capacity of 10000 lb., and the E-Transit commercial cargo van, offering a target range of 126 miles.

United Rentals will deliver the first shipment of electric vehicles to Formosa Plastics’ Point Comfort, Texas, facility on August 25, just in time for a celebratory event for media and community leaders. The delivery is significant due to the high demand and short supply of these types of electric vehicles in the region, the announcement stated.

Formosa Plastics plans to install charging stations at the facility for use by associates and business partners. Electric vehicle charging stations are also available for use by associates at the company’s headquarters in Livingston, NJ, and in Baton Rouge, LA.