DHL supporting Formula 1 with truck fleet running on biofuel
DHL and Formula 1 have announced that they are taking ‘sustainable logistics to new heights’ with a new initiative this season which will see DHL introducing its first truck fleet running on biofuel.
DHL will be deploying 18 new trucks this season to support Formula 1 in its goal of becoming Net Zero by 2030. The new trucks, capable of running on HVO100 drop-in fuel (hydrotreated vegetable oil), will be delivering at all European Formula 1 races in 2023. By doing so, said DHL, each truck can reduce carbon emissions of minimum 60% when compared to standard fuels, with great potential for higher savings.
“Our partnership with Formula 1 also showcases our shared dedication to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint. We consistently strive to make logistics more sustainable, and we are excited to introduce the inaugural fleet of trucks, running on a sustainable fuel this year,” said Arjan Sissing, Head of Global Brand Marketing at Deutsche Post DHL Group. “As an industry leader in green logistics, the 18 trucks further contribute to a lower emission DHL fleet, where we show to our fans and customers that it is possible to bring the excitement of Formula 1 races around the world in a sustainable way.”
The new trucks reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the same level of performance in terms of load capacity and travel distance as their diesel counterparts. Also, the handling of biofuel is safer than bunkering diesel from an environmental and security perspective.
Paul Fowler, Head of DHL Motorsports Logistics, added: “Each truck can therefore transport up to 40 tons and travel up to 3,500 kilometres per 1,000 liter tank. For the European F1 leg the trucks run entirely on HVO100, which is a second-generation biofuel, meeting the standard EN15940 for paraffin fuels, as well as a drop-in fuel.”
DHL and Formula 1 are planning to expand the use of these sustainably powered trucks in the coming years, as part of their ongoing efforts to minimize their environmental footprint.
“We operate on a global scale and DHL plays a critical role in delivering the races and helping us address the logistical impact we have as a World Championship” says Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1. “Together we are continually looking for more sustainable solutions, and through innovations such as the biofueled trucks we’re able to take significant steps forward in reducing our carbon emissions and achieving our sustainability goal of being Net Zero by 2030. It is wonderful to see partners like DHL share the same drive and commitment to creating a more sustainable Formula 1.”
This season, the DHL motorsport team will cover around 150,000km, transporting up to 1,400 tons of freight per race. In addition to the race cars, tires, spare parts, and fuel, broadcasting and hospitality equipment are also transported to the desired destination. DHL also provides comprehensive track and trace of the cargo while in transit, as well as custom brokerage, pickup, and customs clearance services.
As part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s Sustainability Roadmap to accelerate sustainable business by 2030, the company is investing €7 billion in clean logistics operations to reduce emissions. The funds will focus on sustainable aviation fuels, road fleet electrification, and climate-neutral building design. The introduction of sustainable fuels on long haul road transport is also included in this investment plan.
