DHL Express continues to invest in order to achieve its ambitious emissions reduction and climate protection goals.
Following a successful pilot program in the United States with nine Lightning Electric Ford Transit 350HD electric vans late last year, the company plans to deploy the remaining 89 electric vehicles in New York and California this year.
Produced by Lightning eMotors, the new electric vans are capable of achieving 61 MPGe, compared to 13 MPG for similar gas-powered vans. They also come with proprietary telematics and analytics software to help with route optimization, driver training, and vehicle efficiency.
“We’re aiming to improve the lives of people where they live and work, using clean pickup and delivery solutions – such as electric vehicles and cargo cycles – for our first- and last-mile services,” said DHL Express U.S. CEO Greg Hewitt. “With the successful deployment of the first nine pilot vehicles, we are excited to expand our electric delivery van footprint and continue to drive forward our corporate roadmap to decarbonization.”
The new vans enhance an already robust alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet for DHL Express in the U.S., which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric and clean diesel varieties – in addition to low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles. DHL also began piloting four electric tractor-trailer vehicles in the Los Angeles market, to haul goods to and from the DHL LAX Gateway and local service centers.
“These new electric vans are designed to better serve DHL customers and help couriers to more efficiently and effectively deliver packages,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning eMotors. “At the same time, they are helping DHL to meet its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve urban air quality, as well as reduce noise on the streets.”
