The company-led pilot showed a reduction in energy costs and increased driver satisfaction
By 2030, 30% of DHL**chain's North American fleet will be zero-emission or near-zero-emission vehicles
DHL Supply Chain, a leader in contract logistics in the Americas, has announced the deployment of its first Class 8 electric truck, marking a significant milestone in the company's commitment to clean and efficient trucking operations. The company currently has two trucks operating in California and will receive another 11 trucks in the coming weeks for deployment in Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and California. The deployment marks a significant step forward in the company's commitment to decarbonizing the transportation sector, one of the world's largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
This cutting-edge electric truck boasts impressive features, including:
Zero tailpipe emissions: Electric vehicles (EVs) are considered zero-emission technologies (ZET), which means they do not produce any tailpipe carbon dioxide (CO2E) or nitrogen oxide emissions. Each electric vehicle that replaces a diesel truck can save an average of 100 tons of CO2e per year.
Energy savings: A six-month pilot of a Class 8 electric truck, led by the DHL chain, showed that the truck consumed an average of 50% less energy than a diesel truck when performing the same job.
Longer range: Electric trucks can travel up to 250 miles on a single charge, meeting the needs of many regional transportation routes.
Right-sized charging: Electric trucks are equipped with fast-charging technology and remote monitoring capabilities for turnaround times that meet operational requirements.
Powerful performance: Electric trucks offer better horsepower and torque than diesel trucks, ensuring seamless integration into existing operations.
Increased driver satisfaction: During the pilot period, drivers preferred electric vehicles over diesel vehicles because they were "quiet" and had low or no vibrations, resulting in less fatigue.
Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond reducing our environmental impact. We see electric trucks as a strategic investment that offers numerous benefits to our company and the communities we serve. From improving efficiency and a better driving experience, to reducing air and noise pollution, electric trucks are the future of transportation. Jim Monkmeyer, President of DHL Chain Transport, said.
Driving green innovation with expertise.
DHL was an early adopter of EV technology and has deployed more than 30,000 light to heavy-duty EVs worldwide. As an early adopter, DHL Chain has been able to pilot and learn how best to implement green technologies to improve productivity and operational efficiency. In 2023, they added 30 new electric yard trucks, bringing the total number of vehicles currently operating in North America to 60; Help deliver on its commitment to transition from diesel yard trucks. The company also continues to phase out LPG-powered material handling equipment (MHEs) such as forklifts and replace them with electric MHEs.
We are building a comprehensive ecosystem around green technologies to support seamless operations, including right-sized charging infrastructure in our facilities and a dedicated team of experts who drive continuous improvement. It's not just a truck, it's a system that symbolizes our commitment to creating a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation environment. monkmeyer said.
Following DHL Chain's announcement of electric trucks worldwide, electric trucks have been added to its North American fleet. The Green Transport Policy aims to reduce carbon emissions in line with the DHL Group's sustainability roadmap. As a first step, the DHL chain will switch around 2,000 vehicles worldwide from traditional combustion engines to more environmentally friendly alternatives, including hydrotreating vegetable oil, biogas, electricity or hydrogen. Over the next three years, DHL Chain has committed to investing an additional €200 million in fossil fuel alternatives, committing to reduce CO2 emissions by almost 300,000 tons. These savings are equivalent to offsetting the CO2 emissions of 2,200 trucks driving 500 kilometers per day for a year. First, the new policy calls for investment in the 17 countries with the highest emission footprints.