DHL adds new Electric Delivery Vans to its fleet in the US

DHL is staying true to its mission of reducing emissions as it prepares to roll out a new fleet of electric delivery vans that will serve US. markets.

These new vehicles add to the company's already robust alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet, which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric, compressed natural gas (CNG) and clean diesel.

DHL has set a target of operating 70% of first- and last-mile delivery services with clean transport modes by 2025 as part of its longer-term corporate commitment to reduce its logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050.

The fleet of 63 NGEN-1000 electric delivery cargo vans are produced by equipment manufacturer Workhorse Group. Capable of running up to 100 miles on a charge, the vans have ultra-low floors to reduce physical stress on workers' knees and back, and a high roof design that maximises cargo space in a small footprint (1,008 cubic feet of cargo capacity).

DHL will roll out the first 30 NGEN-1000 electric delivery cargo vans in the San Francisco Bay Area.

“Throughout the United States, DHL has proactively sought opportunities in select markets where we can implement AFV fleets that will help us reach our clean transport goals while continuing to provide a superior service experience,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express US. “This year alone, nearly 30% of our new vehicles will be alternative fuel. We're excited about the technologies that continue to emerge in this area and how they are benefiting the logistics industry.”

In March 2017, Deutsche Post DHL Group, the parent company of DHL Express, registered a significant first for the logistics industry by announcing a commitment to reduce its logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050.