DHL Parcel UK is taking a major step forward in its vision of net-zero emissions logistics by 2050, with the delivery of six fully electric 16-tonne Volvo trucks and 30 Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Volvo tractor units. This investment is part of the company’s EUR74 million (£64m) UK investment in green heavy fleet, and is part of the Deutsche Post DHL Group’s overall commitment to invest over EUR7 billion (£6 billion) in sustainable fuel and clean technologies by 2030.
The electric trucks are powered by four 200 kWh batteries which can run up to 120 miles, carrying a maximum of 12 pallets weighing up to 6 tonnes. They will be deployed in London from January 2023, and will recharge overnight at strategic DHL Parcel locations in the city. As these are zero emission vehicles, they will not contribute any carbon or harmful emissions into the atmosphere, and are 3 star compliant to the London Direct Vision Standard for enhanced safety of all road users.
The LNG tractor units will be based at the DHL Parcel UK hub in Coventry, and will be used on routes throughout the UK. With a maximum reach of up to 400 miles per tank, they will run on Bio-LNG, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 85% compared to a traditional Diesel engine with the same power output (460bhp).
Commenting on the delivery of the zero-emission vehicles, Peter Fuller, CEO of DHL Parcel UK said: “Our aim is to be at the forefront of change in UK road transport. Having zero emissions electric vehicles in our final mile heavy fleet is a major step forward in our vision of net zero logistics related emissions.”
The deployment of electric vehicles and alternative drives is an important part of DHL Parcel UK’s decarbonization plans, and will help the company to move closer to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions logistics by 2050. With the introduction of these zero-emission vehicles, the company is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future.
Source: DHL
