DHL testing electric Class 8 trucks

The new trucks will haul goods to and from the DHL gateway at the Los Angeles International airport (LAX) and local service centres.

PLANTATION, Florida – DHL is piloting four Class 8 battery-electric trucks in the United States. The trucks are being tested in the Los Angeles market, in time for the peak holiday shipping season.

The electric trucks are manufactured by BYD Motors and are capable of running all day on a single charge. Equipped with a comfortable air-ride cab and air suspension, the trucks have enough power and torque to operate at 82,000 lbs. combined weight.

DHL plans to use the new trucks to haul goods to and from its gateway at the Los Angeles International airport (LAX) and local service centres.

“The introduction of these efficient electric trucks is a huge step forward, not only toward achieving our own clean transport goals, but also California’s ambitious goals on the adoption of zero-emission vehicles,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S.

“By implementing these electric trucks, we will prevent more than 300 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere per year, as we continue to grow and enhance our clean pick-up and delivery solutions.

Boosting the fleet

The new trucks add to the company’s alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet in the U.S., which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric, and clean diesel – in addition to low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles.

“DHL has proved that they’re serious about their commitment to transition to zero-emission trucking,” said John Gerra, senior director of business development at BYD Motors.

“DHL is doing more than just talking about it; they’re actually putting BYD electric trucks into commercial service, today.”

In addition, DHL Express has 72 all-electric battery-powered vans on order from multiple vendors, which will support DHL pickup and delivery operations throughout California and New York.

In March 2017, Deutsche Post DHL Group, the parent company of DHL Express, registered a significant first for the logistics industry by setting an ambitious goal of reducing its logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050. Climate protection and sustainability are particularly important for the future direction of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s business, and a core element of its Strategy 2025.