DPD to trial mobile charging for vans

Parcel delivery service DPD will trial a new mobile powerbank charging system that could provide a solution for UK van drivers that are unable to charge their vehicles at home overnight.

A multi-van pilot at the firm’s eco depot in Bicester, England will allow drivers to collect a portable OnCharge ZIR0 prototype powerbank before driving home after their shift.

The prototype, which has a real operating capacity of 50kWh, will charge the main traction battery of the van overnight, resulting in a 100 per cent charge by the start of the driver’s day.

It will take 90 seconds to load in the evening, and unload in the morning, and the trials will allow OnCharge and DPD engineers to gather field data and review driver feedback.

The pilot is part of OnCharge Energy’s Field Test and Development programme and a key step towards scaling up customer production in late 2023.