“Several of our divisions will benefit from this agreement with Volvo Trucks,” explains Pablo Ciano, executive vice president corporate strategy at Deutsche Post DHL Group. “The intended order includes 40 electric Volvo FE and Volvo FLs, to be used for package deliveries in urban transport. Electric trucks for longer routes are also part of the scope and DHL has decided to begin using Volvo trucks for regional distribution, starting with four Volvo FM Electric trucks in the UK.”
The first trucks have been ordered already, six by DHL Parcel UK and two by DHL Freight. This will result in annual savings of nearly 225,000 litres of diesel for Deutsche Post DHL Group.
“We are committed to meet growing customer demand for green and sustainable solutions and achieve our long-term goal of net zero emissions by 2050,” adds Ciano.
An important factor in DHL’s decision to ramp up the transition to zero emission vehicles is the positive experience it has experienced with its Volvo FL Electric truck, that has been operating in London since November 2020 – making last mile deliveries into the West End shopping district. The vehicle was said to be the very first fully electric commercial heavy truck used for urban logistics in the UK.
The cooperation involves adoption of new Volvo technologies and joint development activities within the field of electrification. The agreement also includes analysis by Volvo Trucks of DHL’s transport operations, with the goal to ensure successful deployment of tailor-made electrical transport solutions.