DHL Supply Chain has launched the first fully electric 16-tonne vehicle in the UK, making a major step forward in its decarbonisation of the final mile.
The Volvo FL Electric 4X2 rigid vehicle uses four 200 kWh batteries with the capacity to run for 120 miles. It can carry a maximum of 12 pallets and a weight of up to 6 tonnes.
Running from DHL’s base in Purfleet, it will run daily operations into the West End shopping district in central London.
Ian Clough, managing director, network logistics and transport, UK & Ireland, DHL Supply Chain said: “As the market leader in contract logistics, and part of the world’s largest logistics group, we have a responsibility to reach for ambitious sustainability targets as we deliver best in class solutions for our customers.
“We are very proud and excited that our investment in the UK’s first operational fully-electric large commercial vehicle is just another example of how we are doing that.
“The Volvo FL Electric is the perfect solution to the challenges of urban logistics, allowing us to make deliveries in densely populated inner-city locations where air quality and noise pollution challenges are highest.”
Christian Coolsaet, MD of Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland, said: “Operating a Volvo FL Electric, particularly where it can be charged with electricity from renewable sources, is a powerful step towards more sustainable city distribution.
“We are confident this new addition to DHL’s fleet will help to improve air quality and reduce traffic noise; and since it produces no tail-pipe exhaust emissions, it is perfect for operation within London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone.”
