DHL Express installing solar panels on US trucks
As part of a drive to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, DHL Express is installing TRAILAR solar panel units on trucks within its US pickup and delivery fleet.
DHL Express said that equipping 67 of its medium and heavy-duty trucks with the TRAILAR solar technology is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,000 KG per year for each vehicle, also lowering both fuel and maintenance costs. The solar system generates electricity from sunlight, and will be used to charge the battery, power lift gates and other ancillary equipment. This reduces the load on the alternator and, as a result, fuel consumption.
“We’re aiming to improve the lives of people where they live and work, using cleaner pickup and delivery solutions – such as electric vehicles and cargo cycles, and now augmenting our truck fleet with this innovative solar solution,” said DHL Express U.S. CEO Greg Hewitt. “This is another strategic step in our drive forward to decarbonization, and over time reducing all logistics related emissions to net zero by 2050.”
An integrated telematics system provides detailed information on the efficiency of the entire system through web-based reporting, including battery health, charging of ancillary equipment, overall fuel and C02 savings and more. With continuous battery management via the TRAILAR Smart Charge Controller, solar energy is used to maintain battery levels at the most optimum level, even when the vehicle is off.
Deutsche Post DHL Group has already implemented the TRAILAR solution within many of its fleet operations at business units that operate in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa.
