DHL continues to lead the way in green transportation. The company, which made headlines in 2015 by being the first major company to put an all-electric class 8 yard truck into service, has now expanded its fleet to 50 electric yard trucks from Orange EV. This marks a significant step towards DHL’s goal of fully phasing out diesel trucks by 2025.
These heavy-duty trucks, known by various names such as terminal trucks, yard dogs, or mules, are ideal candidates for electrification due to their low-speed, high-torque, short-distance operations. The quiet, vibration-free, and instant power operation of electric drive makes them well-suited for the task. DHL currently has electric yard trucks deployed at more than 30 DHL Supply Chain sites across the US, contributing to the company’s commitment to reducing logistics-related carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
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Stephan Schablinski, VP of “GoGreen” initiatives at DHL Supply Chain, emphasized the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “We cannot ignore the impact our operations have on the environment as a logistics company, and therefore we are committed to implementing more sustainable approaches to doing business.” Through partnerships with companies like Orange EV, DHL has developed innovative solutions that are reshaping the logistics industry and moving closer to a green future.
The first electric yard trucks deployed by DHL in 2015, affectionately named “Sparky I” and “Sparky II,” have proven their durability and efficiency. With more than 24,000 hours and 17,000 hours of operation respectively, these trucks are still running on their original battery packs.
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Kurt Neutgens, Orange EV co-founder, President, and CTO, highlighted the successful partnership between Orange EV and DHL, saying, “DHL Supply Chain’s first two Orange EV orders are a great example of how we work together to right-size a fleet’s EV projects to economically meet site specifications and rigorous duty cycles.” He also praised DHL’s commitment to maximizing efficiency through opportunity charging.
Looking ahead, DHL Supply Chain has announced plans to double its current electric yard truck fleet, bringing the total to 100 all-electric Orange EV class 8 trucks and phasing out all diesel trucks over the next two years.
