DPD switches 10% of its fleet to EVs five months early

Logistics company DPD has successfully switched 10% of its van fleet to electric vehicles (EV) five months ahead of schedule.

At the start of 2020, DPD had just over 130 EVs on the road and this has now increased to 700. So far this year, the courier firm has delivered close to five million ‘emissions-free parcels’, saving more than two million kilograms of CO2.

The firm estimates that, on its current zero emissions trajectory, it will deliver well over 10 million parcels on its clean, green fleet by the end of 2020.

Dwain McDonald, DPD CEO said: “Despite everything that is going on, we’ve been really focused on getting EVs on the road and delivering for us this year.

“Yes, you need to be trialling new technology and looking at future concepts, but you have to start making a difference now, and that’s what we are doing.”

He explained: “We originally targeted 500 EVs this year, but with over 700, we have absolutely smashed it.

“The feedback from the depots, our drivers and our customers has been fantastic and that has just encouraged us to go faster.

“We know retail customers want this and the reaction on the doorstep is great when recipients see that their parcel has been delivered emission-free too. So, that is a great base for us to build on.”

DPD is also working with a series of new suppliers to help develop the next generation of EVs. Following the launch of the EAV P1 electric assist cargo bike last year, DPD is extending its partnership with Oxford-based manufacturer EAV to create another new vehicle.

DPD is also involved in trials with LEVC for the new VN5 and the Vauxhall e-Vivaro.