Deutsche Post DHL Group and Volvo Trucks Start New Cooperation

Volvo Trucks and Deutsche Post DHL Group have signed a cooperation agreement to accelerate the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles. DHL intends to intensify the transition to heavy electric trucks by deploying a total of 44 new electric Volvo trucks on routes in Europe.

(Ismaning/Bonn) An important factor in DHL’s decision to accelerate the transition to emission-free vehicles is the positive experiences the company has had with the use of an electric Volvo truck in London.

The planned order includes 40 electric trucks of the Volvo FE and Volvo FL models, which are to be used for parcel delivery in urban traffic. Electric trucks for longer distances are also part of the order, which DHL will use for regional transport, starting with four Volvo FM Electric in the UK.

The first trucks have already been ordered, six from DHL Parcel UK and two from DHL Freight. This will save Deutsche Post DHL Group around 600 tons of CO2 and nearly 225,000 liters of diesel fuel annually.

Customer Demand for Eco-Friendly Solutions

“We are committed to meeting the growing customer demand for eco-friendly and sustainable solutions and achieving our long-term goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. As a logistics provider, transitioning our vehicle fleet is an important lever to avoid CO2 emissions on the road. Several of our business areas will therefore benefit from this agreement with Volvo Trucks,” explains Pablo Ciano, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at Deutsche Post DHL Group.

An important factor in DHL’s decision to accelerate the transition to emission-free vehicles is the positive experiences the company has had since November 2020 with the use of an electric Volvo truck for last-mile delivery in the West End shopping district of London. The vehicle was the first fully electric heavy truck used for urban logistics in the UK.

Changing Things for the Better Together

“DHL is a major global logistics provider committed to reducing its impact on climate change. Together, we can change things for the better, and I am proud that we will work together in the spirit of partnership to achieve our science-based targets for reducing our climate impact,” says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

The collaboration includes the adoption of new Volvo technologies and joint development activities in the field of electrification. The agreement also includes an analysis of DHL’s transport operations by Volvo Trucks to ensure the successful deployment of tailored electric transport solutions.

Leading in Electric Trucks in Europe

Volvo Trucks is the market leader in heavy fully electric trucks in Europe, with a market share of 42% in 2021. As early as 2019, Volvo Trucks began series production of electric trucks as one of the first truck brands in the world. The company has delivered electric trucks to a variety of customers in Europe, North America, and Australia.

Photo: © Volvo Trucks