DHL Supply Chain North America gets electric trucks

DHL Supply Chain is deploying its first Class 8 electric trucks in the US. The two Freighliner hit the road in California. Another 11 units will be deployed in Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and California.

The freight forwarder does not mention which model it is deploying, but the photo shows a Freightliner eCascadia. The battery-electric truck model is a Class 8 semitrailer tractor and was first presented on the North American market in 2022. Customers can choose between three battery options: 194 kWh, 291 kWh and 438 kWh. The latter version is said to have a range of up to 230 miles or 370 kilometres.

According to DHL Supply Chain, its trucks will have a range of up to 250 miles and are equipped “with fast-charging technology and remote monitoring capabilities.”

The company says it completed a six-month trial of a class 8 EV truck, which showed that the latter “consumed on average 50% less energy for the same job compared to its diesel counterpart.” It is why the freight forwarder decided to add more units to its fleet.

“Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond reducing our environmental impact. We see electric trucks as a strategic investment that offers numerous advantages for our company and the communities we serve,” says Jim Monkmeyer, President of Transportation, DHL Supply Chain. “From improved efficiency and a better driving experience, to reduced air and noise pollution, electric trucks are the future of transportation.”

dhl.com