Deutsche Post HDL Group has signed an agreement with Ford Motor Company to accelerate deployment of electrified vans used in logistics globally.
Under the deal, Ford will equip DHL with more than 2,000 electric delivery vans worldwide through 2023. The goal is to enhance its position for green services in last mile delivery, the companies said. The deal also includes a suite of solutions including access to Ford Pro’s connected e-telematics software and charging solutions.
Ford is targeting zero emissions on all vehicle sales and carbon neutrality across its European footprint —logistics, facilities and suppliers — by 2035 and carbon neutrality globally by no later than 2050.
Deutsche Post HDL Group is targeting a share of 60% e-vehicles used for carbon neutral pick-up and delivery by 2030 and is investing about $7 billion in the current decade to help accelerate a path to net-zero emissions for logistics.
“Electrification of last mile logistics is a major pillar to decarbonize our operations,” said Anna Spinelli, chief procurement officer and head of mobility at Deutsche Post DHL Group. “Adding the new Ford E-Transit to our global fleet of around 27,000 electric vans further strengthens our capability of providing green delivery services worldwide.”
Why it is important
Last-mile logistics is a rapidly growing market as e-commerce is growing due to consumers shopping for food, groceries, fashion and all sorts of other goods online.
Because there are so many more delivery trucks and vans on the streets today and those numbers are expected to rise considerably in the next decade, providing vehicles with zero emissions will be necessary to meet carbon neutrality targets established by governments worldwide.
DHL is not the only delivery company working toward this goal either. FedEx is working to achieve carbon neutral operations globally by 2040 and is testing General Motors’ BrightDrop electric vans in a Toronto, Canada-based pilot project.
FedEx also signed an agreement with Walmart and BrightDrop for 5,000 EV500 and smaller EV410 electric delivery vans. The move will also help Walmart to reach its own zero-emissions target of 2040.
Several other electric vehicle startups are testing new ways for delivery and passenger transportation involving all-electric shuttles. The last two years has seen a growing trend to use shuttles outfitted with autonomous technology and electric architectures for cargo transportation and package delivery.
