DHL Parcel continues to focus on sustainable transport. After the 1400 electric delivery vans that have been delivering to residential areas since this autumn, DHL has now also put three electric rigids into use. A size of which not many are driving in the Netherlands yet because the range for this size of transport is still lagging behind compared to smaller vehicles. DHL uses them for the supply of CityHubs and the transport of pallet shipments for business customers in Amsterdam, The Hague and Rotterdam. Increasingly strict environmental standards apply in these cities.
“DHL is not waiting for these environmental standards to actually be implemented, but is already gaining experience with electric vehicles. We also want to lead the way in this heavier segment. The choice fell on the Volvo FL Electric with which DHL expects to be able to achieve a range of about 240 kilometers. That is more than sufficient for the routes where they are specifically used.
More than 200 energy-efficient new trucks
In addition to the 3 electric rigids, DHL has also invested in 107 Volvo FM tractor units, four Volvo FM LHV rigids and 88 Volvo FE rigids. The more than 200 vehicles have a low fuel consumption and run on HVO100 diesel, which emits up to 90% less than regular diesel. They are mainly used for the supply and removal of the 16 sorting centers and the 140 CityHubs spread across the Netherlands.
Accelerated transfer to HVO
Over longer distances, large electric transport is still a step too far. HVO offers a temporary solution here as a vegetable, non-fossil fuel. “We want to switch our entire fleet to HVO diesel as soon as possible, so that we can save up to 90% on CO2 emissions. This is in line with our policy of maximum reduction. The remaining 10% is eligible for our compensation policy,” says Roelof Hofman. In order to realize this in a delivery network that covers the whole of the Netherlands, the number of HVO filling stations must be expanded more quickly. DHL is discussing this with fuel suppliers.
Nice workplace
When choosing the tractors and trucks, the drivers of DHL been involved. They tested various models and determined the extras that the trucks are equipped with. The truck's good field of vision also played an important role in the choice. In the cab, the doors and side panels have extra windows for a better overview and fewer blind spots. In addition, the trucks are equipped with camera systems for a 270-degree view around the truck. “The safety of fellow road users, especially in busy city traffic, is paramount. A good overview is crucial in this regard,” says Roelof Hofman.
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