DHL expands US green fleet with four new BYD electric trucks

Leading courier DHL has expanded its zero emissions fleet in the US with the addition of four new BYD Class 8 battery-electric trucks.

DHL is piloting the trucks in the Los Angeles market, just in time for the peak Christmas shipping season.

The electric trucks are manufactured by BYD Motors, and built with long-lasting and safe battery technology, which it claims can run all day on a single charge.

Equipped with a comfortable air-ride cab and air suspension, the trucks have more than enough power and torque to operate at 37 ton combined weight.

Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express US said: “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.

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

The new trucks enhance the company’s already robust alternative fuel vehicle fleet in the US, which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric, and clean diesel – in addition to low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles.

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.