DHL Group, in collaboration with energy provider E.ON, has announced a strategic partnership to enhance the electric charging infrastructure for heavy commercial vehicles.
This initiative is part of a framework agreement to establish fast-chargers at DHL Group locations across Germany.
E.ON will oversee the planning, construction of them and transformer stations, installation, load management, and ongoing operation of the infrastructure.
The new charging and billing systems will be specifically designed for electric trucks, with charging available at loading docks and outdoor parking spaces within DHL’s operational yards.
E.ON is developing bespoke solutions to accommodate the unique requirements of commercial vehicles and their specific charging scenarios.
This includes innovative traverse systems with overhead cable guidance and efficient charging at loading docks, even in confined spaces.
DHL service partners, such as fleet operators and transportation companies, will also benefit from access to these charging stations.
This initiative aligns with the Group’s sustainability strategy, which aims to offer climate protection products to service partners, thereby optimising customers’ supply chains to minimise emissions and reduce waste and other environmental impacts.
Andreas Mündel, Senior Vice President Strategy & Operation Programs at DHL Group, states: “The electrification of our fleet, especially heavy commercial vehicles, is a crucial step towards achieving our goal of making the entire logistics chain as sustainable as possible.”
“We are delighted to collaborate with E.ON to expand the charging infrastructure for our operations and our partners,” he adds.
Mathias Wiecher, Chief Commercial Officer of E.ON Drive, indicates: “The transition to electromobility is vital for reducing emissions in the transportation and logistics sector. However, electrifying an entire fleet of trucks presents significant challenges.”
“Our objective is to provide our customers with optimal solutions that meet both operational requirements and sustainability goals,” he remarks.
Under the Strategy 2025, DHL Group aims to reduce logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions to below 29 million tonnes of CO2e by 2030, in line with the Science Based Targets Initiative.
Several measures contribute to this goal, including the use of sustainable aviation fuels, operating carbon-neutral buildings, expanding the green product portfolio, and electrifying the vehicle fleet.
Currently, it operates 35 electric trucks in Germany and more than 35,200 electric vehicles for pickup and delivery.
By 2030, the aim is for eVehicles to comprise 60 per cent of this fleet.
The company is committed to sustainable business practices, corporate citizenship, and environmental activities, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
