DHL Express commits to “clean pickup and delivery solutions” in the U.S.

Following a successful initial pilot program using nine Lightning Electric Ford Transit 350HD electric vans in the U.S. late last year, DHL Express, plans to deploy the remaining 89 electric vehicles this year in New York and California.

Produced by Lightning eMotors, a designer and manufacturer of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, the new electric vehicles are highly durable and capable of achieving 61 MPGe, compared to 13 MPG for similar gas-powered vans. They also include proprietary telematics and analytics software, which will aid with route optimization, driver training and vehicle efficiencies.

“We’re aiming to improve the lives of people where they live and work, using clean pickup and delivery solutions – such as electric vehicles and cargo cycles – for our first- and last-mile services,” said DHL Express U.S. CEO Greg Hewitt. “With the successful deployment of the first nine pilot vehicles, we are excited to expand our electric delivery van footprint and continue to drive forward our corporate roadmap to decarbonization.”

The new vans enhance an already robust alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet for DHL Express in the U.S., which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric and clean diesel varieties – in addition to low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles. DHL also began piloting four electric tractor-trailer vehicles in the Los Angeles market, to haul goods to and from the DHL LAX Gateway and local service centers.

“These new electric vans are designed to better serve DHL customers and help couriers to more efficiently and effectively deliver packages,” said Tim Reeser, CEO of Lightning eMotors. “At the same time, they are helping DHL to meet its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve urban air quality, as well as reduce noise on the streets.”