DHL Express Ireland has announced the replacement of its entire fleet of 44 diesel-powered pickup and delivery vehicles with 44 electric vehicles (EVs) supplied by Ford. This transition is accompanied by a substantial investment of 4.3 million euros in the initial phase, with an additional 4 million euros earmarked for future phases.
DHL Express Ireland’s decision to embrace electric vehicles aligns with its broader commitment to sustainability and reflects the DHL Group’s mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Mike Farrell, National Operations Director at DHL Express Ireland, emphasized the company’s dedication to this mission, stating, “Our decision to transition from diesel to electric vehicles underscores our dedication to sustainability and aligns with our broader DHL Group mission of achieving net zero emissions by 2050.” He further noted that the DHL Group has committed to investing €7 billion in clean operations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions related to logistics by 2030.
See also: DHL orders 2,000 Ford electric vans for last-mile deliveries
One concrete aspect of DHL’s sustainability efforts lies in its EV charging infrastructure. All four main service centers in Ireland have been equipped with EV charging infrastructure, ensuring that 10% of all parking spaces at each center are now equipped with charging stations. DHL has also expressed its willingness to expand the charging capacity as needed.
While specific details about the electric vans are limited, DHL has a longstanding partnership with Ford. Although it remains unclear whether the Irish operation is part of Ford Pro’s commitment, DHL anticipates that Ford will supply over 2,000 electric delivery vans worldwide by the end of 2023. DHL Express was one of the first trial customers when Ford released the E-Transit in late 2020.
On a global scale, DHL Group anticipates that its collaboration with Ford Pro will encompass a comprehensive suite of solutions for operating its electric fleet, including access to E-Telematics software and charging solutions.
See also: DHL Express Tests Hydrogen Fuel Truck in China, Operates 350 Kilometers
Deutsche Post DHL has set an ambitious target of achieving a 60% share of electric vehicles by 2030, with a goal of operating more than 80,000 zero-emission vehicles within the next decade. The Group’s commitment extends to initiatives such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Climate Group’s EV100 initiative, and the Science-Based Target initiative (SBTi).
In the past, Deutsche Post DHL manufactured its delivery vehicle, the StreetScooter. However, with the sale of the business to the Luxembourg holding company Odin Automotive in January 2022, DPDHL now relies on vehicle partners, including Ford Pro, Mercedes, and Volvo Trucks, to provide electric vans, solidifying its commitment to sustainability in the logistics sector.
