DHL Express to Install Solar Panels on Vehicle Fleet in the US

DHL Express continues to make smart investments to meet its ambitious goals for emissions reduction and climate protection. 

Don’t Miss

• Do you need a business bank account for your online business? Have a look at our review of the five best bank accounts for sellers, some of which are free with no minimum balance or deposits.
• AI can change your entire social media game today. Learn how you can save time writing engaging content faster. ^[sponsored]
• How to lower your taxable income and pay less in taxes. ^[sponsored]
• ‘My Community Made’ is a new marketplace to compete with Etsy and Amazon Handmade.
• EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Chris Prill, VP eBay Motors, discussing the new Guaranteed Fit program.

This year, the company is installing solar panel units on trucks within its US pickup and delivery fleet, reducing fuel consumption in markets throughout the country.

Equipping 67 of DHL Express’ medium and heavy-duty trucks with the innovative TRAILAR solar technology is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,000 KG per year for each vehicle, also lowering both fuel and maintenance costs.

The solar system generates electricity from sunlight and will be used to charge the battery, power lift gates and other ancillary equipment. This reduces the load on the alternator and, as a result, fuel consumption.

“We’re aiming to improve the lives of people where they live and work, using cleaner pickup and delivery solutions – such as electric vehicles and cargo cycles, and now augmenting our truck fleet with this innovative solar solution. This is another strategic step in our drive forward to decarbonization, and over time reducing all logistics-related emissions to net-zero by 2050.”

Greg Hewitt, DHL Express US, CEO

An integrated, state-of-the-art telematics system provides detailed information on the efficiency of the entire system through web-based reporting, including battery health, charging of ancillary equipment, overall fuel and C02 savings and more.

With continuous battery management via the TRAILAR Smart Charge Controller, solar energy is used to maintain battery levels at the most optimum level, even when the vehicle is off.

This constant care of the battery and reduction in alternator wear has a direct impact in reducing overall vehicle maintenance costs.

Deutsche Post DHL Group has implemented the TRAILAR solution within many of its fleet operations at business units that operate in the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

DHL Roadmap to Decarbonization

On March 22, 2021, Deutsche Post DHL Group announced an accelerated roadmap to decarbonization, which includes investing a total of 7 billion euros (Opex and Capex) over the next ten years in measures to reduce its CO2 emissions.

This includes a goal of having 80,000 e-vehicles deployed for last-mile deliveries, resulting in 60% electrification of the fleet.

Connect with us: Head over to our Facebook Group for Small Business Sellers and interact with other small business owners.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn to stay up to date with relevant news and business insights for your online business.