DHL has announced the expansion of its green fleet with the launch of four BYD Class 8 battery-electric trucks in the US, aiming to reduce emissions and achieve its climate protection goals. DHL is piloting the trucks in the Los Angeles market, in time for the peak holiday shipping season.
The electric trucks are manufactured by BYD Motors, and built with the intention to have a long-lasting and safe battery technology, capable of running all day on a single charge. Equipped with a air-ride cab and air suspension, the trucks are said to have more than enough power and torque to operate at 82,000 lbs combined weight. DHL plans to use the new trucks in the Los Angeles market, to haul goods to and from the DHL LAX Gateway and local service centre facilities.
“The introduction of these efficient electric trucks is a huge step forward, not only toward achieving our own clean transport goals, but also California’s ambitious goals on the adoption of zero-emission vehicles,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express US. “By implementing these electric trucks, we will prevent more than 300 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere per year, as we continue to grow and enhance our clean pick-up and delivery solutions”, he continued.
The new trucks aim to enhance the company’s alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet in the US, which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric, and clean diesel, in addition to low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles.
“As a global leader in logistics and express services, DHL has proved that they’re serious about their commitment to transition to zero-emission trucking,” said John Gerra, Sr. Director of Business Development at BYD Motors. “DHL is doing more than just talking about it; they’re actually putting BYD electric trucks into commercial service, today.”
In addition, DHL Express has 72 all-electric battery-powered vans on order from multiple vendors, which will support DHL pick up and delivery operations throughout California and New York.
Source: DHL
