DHL places two new alternative fueled vehicles into the field

DHL Express is placing two different types of alternative fueled vehicles into regular operations and delivery routes as part of their on-going Alternative Fueled Vehicle Strategy. The two vehicles; one a full electric 14 foot delivery van; and the other a hybrid diesel-electric class 7, 26 foot truck, allow DHL to further validate the efficiency, wear, pollutant reduction and operating costs.

“DHL has participated in alternative fueled vehicle research and studies for years and is excited to bring two different types of technologies to the workforce this month,” noted Greg Miller, DHL Americas Fleet Director. ?Our strategy is to identify technology with present and near-term application for the industry. Rather than deploying futuristic showpieces, we have focused on more transparent advancements with wide application. Our couriers, drivers, loaders, maintenance people and operations should not be impacted by the addition of these green vehicles. And yet, the reduction of pollutants should be very noticeable and measurable.”

DHL’s Americas’ strategy calls for replacement of retiring vehicles with a percentage of alternative fueled vehicles beginning in 2005. DHL calculates the all-electric vehicle will have a positive life cycle advantage in the grueling, densely packed metro market; where stop and go conditions greatly impact vehicle performance and longevity. “Working with alternative fueled vehicles is the right thing to do from a corporate responsibility standpoint. And, with DHL’s careful research and clear goals, it can be a good business decision which pays for itself over the life of the vehicle,” stated Miller.

DHL will work the new Solectria CitiVan? electric vehicle into its Manhattan routes. The CitiVan has a range of 40 miles per charge making it a perfect application for dense Manhattan conditions. Certified as a zero emissions vehicle, the CitiVan is one of the cleanest delivery vehicles in operation anywhere today.

Also from Solectria, the new Class 7 Multi-Mode Series-Parallel Hybrid drive will be placed into service in the Los Angeles region, primarily moving large containers of packages from the LAX Gateway to local DHL service centers in Los Angeles. The hybrid vehicle is designed to improve fuel economy by 30-40% and reduce emissions up to 90% while significantly extending engine component life cycles.

DHL joined the US Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay Transportation Partnership in February of this year. The program promotes energy efficiency while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. DHL’s Environmental Policy promotes environmental responsibility and the use of environmentally friendly technologies throughout its operations. The company is committed to the development of sustainable transportation networks and a program focused on resource conservation and the reduction of global warming, smog, noise and traffic congestion. DHL’s policies are based on the environmental Principles of the UN Global Compact, to which the company is a signatory, and on the World Economic Forum’s Logistics and Transportation Corporate Citizenship Initiative.