E.ON Drive: the electrification of an entire truck fleet is a challenge that should not be underestimated

 DHL Group and the energy company E.ON are launching a partnership to expand the electric charging infrastructure for heavy commercial vehicles.

Based on the framework agreement, fast-charging infrastructure will be set up at DHL Group locations in Germany. E.ON is responsible for the planning, construction of the fast-charging and transformer stations, installation, load management and operation. The charging and billing concepts are optimized for e-trucks: Charging takes place at the loading ramp and in outdoor parking spaces at the depots. For this purpose, E.ON creates special solutions to perfectly map the respective conditions of commercial vehicles and charging situations. For example, truss systems with a guide of the charging cables from above and charging at loading ramps in confined spaces are possible without any problems.

DHL service partners such as fleet operators or transport companies will also be able to use the charging stations. DHL Group’s sustainability strategy also includes offering service partners services and products for more climate protection in order to optimize customers’ supply chains. The aim is to avoid emissions and reduce waste and other negative environmental impacts. “The electrification of our fleet, especially in the area of heavy commercial vehicles, is an important building block on the way to our goal of making the entire logistics chain as sustainable as possible. We are pleased to be able to work with E.ON to drive forward the expansion of the charging infrastructure for us and our partners,” says Andreas Mündel, Senior Vice President Strategy & Operation Programs at DHL Group.

Mathias Wiecher, Chief Commercial Officer of E.ON Drive, adds: “The switch to electric mobility is a key element in reducing emissions in the transport and logistics sector. At the same time, the electrification of an entire truck fleet is a challenge that should not be underestimated. Our goal is to find the optimal solution for our customers that meets both operational requirements and sustainability goals. We are pleased to be tackling this project together with DHL and thus actively shaping the change in logistics.”

As part of its Strategy 2025, DHL Group aims to reduce logistics-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to below 29 million metric tons of CO2e by 2030 in line with the Science Based Targets initiative. Numerous measures – such as the use of sustainable aviation fuels, the operation of climate-neutral buildings, the expansion of the green product portfolio and the electrification of the vehicle fleet – are helping to make the entire logistics chain more climate-friendly. The logistics group has 35 e-trucks in use in Germany and more than 35,200 e-vehicles worldwide for collection and delivery. By 2030, the share of own electric vehicles in this area is to be 60%.