DHL Express has introduced its first set of electric delivery vehicles in London as it looks to run 400 across the UK by 2025.
DHL Express has introduced 10 Renault ZE Masters vans, which have ranges of around 75 miles and a payload capacity of around 10 cubic metres.
The vehicles are direct load capable, with parcels stored on shelves in the vehicle to protect them from damage and boost efficiency.
The fleet will expand outside of the capital as the range of electric vehicles increases.
Richard Crook, director of fleet at DHL Express said: “We’re delighted to be able to announce the roll-out of 10 new best-in-class electric vehicles as part of our UK courier fleet.
“In our ambition to become the most environmentally-friendly provider on the market we have to balance the needs of customers with protecting and respecting the planet.
“Recent innovations within battery range and battery technology mean we can now deploy these more sustainable vehicles as part of our fleet and be confident in their ability to meet operational requirements, reducing our reliance on internal combustion engines.”
DHL aims to achieve zero emissions related to logistics by 2050 and operate clean services for 70% of its pick-up and delivery services by 2025.
The company bought the technology from Rivian, a US-based sustainable transportation company, with the aim of getting the 100,000 vehicles on the road by 2030, saving 4 million metric tonnes of carbon per year.
Amazon plans to have 10,000 of the vehicles on the road as early as 2022.
