OREANDA-NEWS. March 25, 2014. Deutsche Post DHL, the global leader in transport and logistics services, has extended its fleet of alternative vehicles by over 4,000 cars throughout the past year, increasing the number to 10,500.

The investment into new technologies and fuel concepts is part of the Group’s climate protection program GoGreen. Worldwide DHL currently operates over 300 electric vehicles, more than 300 hybrids and almost 2,500 on bio fuel, gas, ethanol or dual fuel. In addition, the company makes use of aerodynamic modifications in order to reduce CO2-emissions significantly.

“We are at the forefront of testing alternative drives: electric vehicles are particularly suitable for urban delivery on defined routes, where we can take full advantage of their CO2-efficiency, low noise levels as well as efficient cost systems. The Renault Kangoo Z.E. is a vehicle we currently use successfully in several European countries. Renault is a leading reliable global partner in that field and we are keen to drive the change in the logistics industry and we are looking forward to a future expansion of the collaboration with Renault.” says Manoella Wilbaut, Head of Global Commercial Developments for DHL Automotive sector.

Overall DHL currently uses 304 electric vehicles

As one of the most recent activities Deutsche Post DHL signed a letter of intent for a possible future global framework agreement with car manufacturer Renault. The intended global agreement shall contain the options for a future purchase of Renault Kangoo Z.E.. The Kangoo Z.E. is an electrified vehicle that is used to transport DHL Express shipments at the moment in France as well as in Aruba, Belgium, Denmark and Germany. Overall DHL currently uses 304 electric vehicles including Kangoo Z.E., Renault ZOE as well as the Renault Twizy.

“Renault, leader in Electric vehicle in Europe, is proud to support DHL global operations to ensure its sustainability targets, while ensuring its business requirements. With Kangoo Z.E. and its 4m3, Renault supplies a perfect tool for urban deliveries all over the globe. With this agreement, Renault and DHL will accelerate the implementation of Kangoo Z.E. in more new countries, in each continent”, says Uwe Hochgeschwurtz, Corporate Sales Director, Senior Vice President.

The most recent project takes place in Bonn/Germany

As the first in the industry, Deutsche Post DHL has set itself a CO2-efficiency target that aims to improve its companywide CO2-efficiency by 30 percent by 2020 on the basis of 2007. In addition to its fleet, the company invests in its network optimization, operations, and a sustainable use of energy in its buildings and business operations.

As part of its global efforts, Deutsche Post DHL works with all major car manufacturers worldwide. Vehicles cover all kinds of technologies, starting from bio gas to electrification, and cover the full range of commercial transport vehicle levels. In order to test new technologies, the company partners with various automotive manufacturers and is part of several industry working groups such as Green Freight Europe or aireg. The most recent project takes place in Bonn/Germany, where the whole parcel delivery in the city and the surrounding areas will be changed to electric vehicles. By 2016 over 140 electric vehicles will be in use, including several Renault Kangoo Z.E.