E.ON builds fast chargers in DHL distribution centres
The charging stations will be set up so that the vehicles can be charged at the loading ramp and in the outdoor car parks. “For this purpose, E.ON develops special solutions to perfectly accommodate the specific conditions of commercial vehicles and charging situations,” says DHL. “This includes traverse systems with overhead cable guidance and seamless charging at loading docks even in tight spaces.”
The charging stations will not only be used by DHL itself, but also by service partners – i.e. fleet operators or transport companies travelling on behalf of DHL. According to the press release, there will thus also be optimised billing concepts for electric trucks. However, details are not yet available.
But it’s not just the billing that DHL is still vague about. The logistics company only confirms the signed framework agreement for “DHL Group locations in Germany.” Which ones or how many exactly is not mentioned in the press release, nor is the number of charging points or a rough timetable for implementation.
First location will be Hamburg
Speaking directly to electrive, DHL added that the agreement plans for up to 250 charging stations within the next three years, although other partners will also be involved. The E.ON cooperation will start with five charging points in Hamburg, and a total of around ten distribution centres in Germany will be equipped with truck charging infrastructure this year. Moreover, “in the long term, all major DHL logistics locations with truck traffic,” a spokesperson told us. The charging power installed will vary depending on the application – 150 kW will be sufficient for transfer vehicles, while stations for long-distance lorries will offer up to 400 kW charging power.
These details are not included in the press release, which instead emphasises the strategic importance of the agreement. That is because the DHL Group’s sustainability strategy also includes offering its partners services and products for greater climate protection to optimise customers’ supply chains. The logistics group already has 35 electric trucks in use in Germany and more than 35,200 electric vehicles worldwide for pick-up and delivery – however, that number also includes electric trikes and not just electric vans and lorries. By 2030, the proportion of own electric vehicles in this area is expected to reach 60 per cent.
“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,” says Andreas Mündel, Senior Vice President Strategy & Operation Programmes at DHL Group. “We are delighted that we can work with E.ON to expand the charging infrastructure for us and our partners.”
Mathias Wiecher, Chief Commercial Officer of E.ON Drive, adds: “”The switch to electromobility is a key element in reducing emissions in the transportation and logistics sector. At the same time, electrifying an entire fleet of trucks 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.”
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