DHL is forging ahead with its emissions reduction and climate protection goals with the launch of four BYD Class 8 battery-electric trucks in the United States. DHL is piloting the trucks in the Los Angeles market, just in time for the peak holiday shipping season.
The electric trucks are manufactured by BYD Motors, and built with long-lasting and safe battery technology, capable of running all day on a single charge. Equipped with a comfortable air-ride cab and air suspension, the trucks have more than enough power and torque to operate at 82,000 lbs. combined weight. DHL plans to use the new trucks in the Los Angeles market, to haul goods to and from the DHL LAX Gateway and local service center facilities.
“The introduction of these efficient electric trucks is a huge step forward, not only toward achieving our own clean transport goals, but also California’s ambitious goals on the adoption of zero-emission vehicles,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S. “By implementing these electric trucks, we will prevent more than 300 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere per year, as we continue to grow and enhance our clean pick-up and delivery solutions.
The new trucks enhance the company’s alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet in the U.S., which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric, and clean diesel – in addition to low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles.
In addition, DHL Express has 72 all-electric battery-powered vans on order from multiple vendors, which will support DHL pickup and delivery operations throughout California and New York.
