DHL Freight has launched its first fully electric tractor-trailers from Mercedes-Benz Trucks, signaling a significant step towards more sustainable transport solutions. The eActros 300 vehicles are now operational at the Koblenz and Hagen sites in Germany.
The electric trucks are already making an impact on DHL’s operations. The Hagen-based truck is reducing emissions on round trips between the DHL branch and the Mercedes-Benz plant in Kassel. Meanwhile, the second truck is enabling carbon-free deliveries to customers in the Koblenz area. These eActros 300 trucks, with a maximum weight of 19 metric tons, represent DHL Freight’s inaugural heavy battery electric tractor-trailers in Germany.
Dr. Thomas Vogel, CEO DACH, UK & IE DHL Freight, commented on the partnership with Mercedes-Benz Trucks, stating, “While we always emphasize that decarbonizing transport requires the efforts of all players involved, it is noteworthy when customers themselves supply the technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are pleased with the partnership with Mercedes-Benz Trucks, which sees both partners taking a step toward attaining their sustainability targets.”
The eActros 300 trucks are equipped with two electric engines capable of producing up to 400 kW of power. With a range of approximately 220 kilometers, the battery can be recharged from 20% to 80% in about one hour and 15 minutes, depending on the charging infrastructure, with a charging capacity of up to 160 kW.
Oliver Berger, network strategy and sustainability manager in Inbound Logistics at Mercedes-Benz Trucks, highlighted the capabilities of the eActros 300, saying, “Our fully electric eActros 300 tractor-trailers are specially designed for regional distribution transport and are already capable of performing a wide range of conventional truck operations. We are pleased that the eActros 300 is now also helping to make local road freight transport carbon-free in our own site delivery operations.”
DHL Freight’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond electric vehicles. The company is testing and implementing various technological solutions to drive more sustainable road freight transport. This includes operating a hydrogen truck from commercial vehicle maker Paul Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH. DHL Freight aims to identify the right engine mix and drive the transition to more sustainability in the industry.
This move towards electric trucks is in line with DHL’s broader sustainability strategy, which aims to increase the share of electric vehicles in its delivery fleet to 60% and sustainable fuels within the DHL Group to more than 30%.
