Ford supplies 2,400 electric conveyor systems to DHL in the current year
In a significant move towards a greener future, DHL, Europe's leading logistics company, has strengthened its partnership with Ford Pro, the commercial vehicle arm of Ford. This strategic collaboration is set to make parcel and post delivery in Germany more sustainable.
One of the key models in this partnership is the Ford E-Transit, Europe's best-selling electric transporter in the 2-ton segment. This versatile vehicle is already in operation in DHL's Post & Parcel Germany fleet, which boasts almost 35,000 electric vehicles, making it the largest electric delivery fleet in Germany. The new cooperation between DHL and Ford Pro has resulted in 4,900 electric transporters from Ford Pro being in operation in the Post & Parcel Germany business unit.
The Ford E-Transit is particularly well-suited for city driving, offering a cargo capacity of 18 cubic meters, which can transport approximately 200 parcels per vehicle. It comes with a 68 kWh battery enabling a range up to 315 km, and an optional 89 kWh battery extending the range up to 402 km.
For smaller delivery routes, the Ford E-Transit Custom from the 1-ton segment is also used by DHL for letter delivery and smaller parcels. This model offers 6.8 cubic meters of load space, a 64 kWh battery, and a range up to 328 km, making it ideal for mixed delivery routes requiring compactness and efficiency.
The environmental benefits of these electric vehicles are substantial. Both the E-Transit and E-Transit Custom reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 4 tonnes annually per vehicle compared with similar diesel vans. Additionally, they save around 1,200 litres of diesel per year.
DHL is committed to further electrifying the last mile in delivery, and Ford is identified as an important partner in this endeavour. By the end of 2025, DHL is adding 2,400 new Ford electric vans to its already sizable electric fleet in Germany, bringing the total electric Ford vans to 4,900 within DHL’s Post & Parcel Germany division.
This large-scale deployment of electric vans, tailored to urban and rural delivery needs, is a vital element of DHL’s sustainability strategy in Germany. By reducing fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions, DHL aims to maintain efficient logistics operations while contributing to a cleaner environment.
Nikola Hagleitner, CEO of Post & Parcel Germany of the DHL Group, expressed pleasure in expanding the cooperation with Ford in e-mobility, stating, "We are excited to continue our journey towards a more sustainable future with Ford Pro." Claudia Vogt, Director Ford Pro for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, is involved in the expansion of the strategic partnership.
In addition to vehicle delivery, the strategic partnership between DHL and Ford Pro extends beyond the vehicles themselves. Ford Pro provides not only E-Transit models but also its Ford Pro ecosystem of smart software and service services to DHL. This includes the connected E-Telematics software and the mobile service, allowing Ford technicians to perform up to 70 percent of the usual maintenance and repair work directly on site in DHL depots. This is expected to increase the operating time of the E-transporters by up to six hours per month.
In conclusion, the strategic partnership between DHL and Ford Pro is set to make a significant impact on the sustainability of parcel and post delivery in Germany. With its fleet of electric vehicles, advanced technology, and commitment to reducing emissions, this partnership is a step towards a cleaner, greener future.
[1] Ford Pro press release, link [2] DHL press release, link [3] DHL annual report, link [4] Post & Parcel Germany press release, link
- DHL's partnership with Ford Pro, specifically the Ford E-Transit, is part of a broader commitment to a greener future in the environmental science sector, as they strive to reduce CO₂ emissions and save fuel in their operations.
- In the industry, the Ford E-Transit has emerged as Europe's best-selling electric transporter in the 2-ton segment, and it is currently in operation within DHL's largest electric delivery fleet in Germany, boasting nearly 35,000 electric vehicles.
- The financial implications of this partnership are significant as DHL aims to add 2,400 new Ford electric vans to its fleet by the end of 2025, further expanding its use of environmentally friendly technology in transportation.
- Ford Pro extends its partnership with DHL beyond vehicle delivery, providing smart software and service services through its Ford Pro ecosystem, which contributes to increasing the operating time of the E-transporters by up to six hours per month.
