TNT launches electric vehicles in China

TNT today unveiled the express industry’s first full electric vehicle fleet in China. The introduction of an initial number of five electric delivery vehicles further bolsters the company’s efforts in reducing its carbon emissions.

CEO Peter Bakker, together with government officials such as Camiel Eurlings, Dutch minister of transport, unveiled the first electric vehicle at the Responsible Transport Forum at the Dutch Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo.

“TNT is committed to sustainable development of our industry across the globe. I am very proud that TNT is taking actions to lead the introduction of zero-emission delivery vehicles in China,” said Bakker. “With China being one of our most important markets, today’s electric delivery vehicle launch is a meaningful step towards our commitment to a sustainable future.”

TNT’s global objective is to improve its CO2 efficiency by 45% by 2020. “As a company vision, TNT aims to contribute to a low carbon emission express industry through our daily operations,” added Bakker.

In conjunction with the electric delivery fleet launch, TNT also organised a Responsible Transport Forum at the Dutch Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. This forum provided a platform for participants to discuss the challenges of rising CO2 emissions and issues around road safety and share best practices with the aim to reach industry and government goals. Supported by both the Shanghai government and the Dutch Ministry of Transport, the forum attracted nearly 100 participants and noted industry experts, academics and environmental advocates.

“We are delighted to see both the government and the local community joining together to promote a greener and safer transport industry in China, fostering an environment of sharing best-practices across industry sectors for both markets,” said Bakker.

Produced by Dongfeng Motor, one of China’s leading automobile manufacturers, TNT’s Chinese electric vehicle fleet is locally designed, manufactured and assembled. After a successful three-month trial operation, the electric delivery fleet is now fully operational in Shanghai.

“Dongfeng is one of the earliest auto companies to invest in R&D for new energy vehicles in China. We have also been a strong industry advocate for the development of electric vehicles in promoting low carbon transport,” said Xu Ping, president of Dongfeng Motor. “New energy vehicles are the future – and are central to our core strategy to foster a more sustainable transportation industry. Dongfeng is strongly committed to leading the sector in promoting the wide scale adoption of new energy vehicles. Therefore we are truly honored to be here today, with TNT, united in our vision for a low carbon future.”

Designed to meet the distinct operational requirements of the express industry, these zero-emissions vehicles are powered by lithium batteries and feature high-tech monitoring systems that record power consumption data during operation, allowing for continuous optimisation for delivery routes. The vehicles require only two-and-a-half hours to be fully charged and can travel more than 120 kilometres on a full charge.