DHL launches electric vehicles in London in bid to become 'most environmentally-friendly provider'

Delivery provider DHL Express has launched 10 new electric courier vans in London in a move to make the city’s streets greener.

The rollout of the new Renault ZE Masters vans is the first stage in DHL Express’ plan to run 400 electric vehicles in its UK-wide fleet by 2025.

Ongoing inward investment by the company has seen more than 900 of its vehicles replaced over the past three years, and the new electric vans are fully compliant with the London Ultra Low Emissions Zone standard.

Richard Crook, director of fleet at DHL Express commented: “We’re delighted to be able to announce the roll-out of 10 new best-in-class electric vehicles as part of our UK courier fleet.

“In our ambition to become the most environmentally-friendly provider on the market we have to balance the needs of customers with protecting and respecting the planet.

“As electric vehicle innovation continues and the range a vehicle can cover on a single charge grows, we plan to expand the electric fleet outside of city locations.”

Alex Williams, director of city planning at TfL (Transport for London), added: “Freight and servicing are the lifeblood of London’s economy, but it is important that we work to reduce its impact on our Capital’s toxic air and global climate change.

“Alternatives to diesel and petrol-powered vehicles, such as electric vehicles and cycle freight, can help to make London healthier and safer for everybody and I’m pleased to see companies such as DHL investing in new ways of doing freight.”