DHL deploys electric vehicles to handle packages of key NCR cities

Leading global courier DHL Express is greening its logistics chain in the Philippines with the rollout of a fleet of electric vehicles (EVs) to handle shipment in key cities in Metro Manila.

DHL Express Philippines announced on Wednesday the acquisition of the first three EVs, citing its goal of reducing environmental impact and promoting green logistics.

These new EVs, manufactured by Build Your Dreams (BYD), can travel for up to 250 kilometers, and carry up to 3.5 cubic meters of load. They will be deployed to deliver parcels in Makati, Ortigas and Pasay.

BYD is a manufacturer of zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. It also builds EV core parts such as batteries, motors and power electronics.

“With our goal of reducing logistics-related emissions to zero by 2050, we are attempting to reach a larger milestone. The purchase of these electric vehicles is our first step towards greener logistics, which will benefit the environment, our customers and our people,” Nigel Lockett, country manager at DHL Philippines, said in a press statement.

This initiative is also part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s global target of running 60 percent of its vehicles electrically by 2030 to strengthen its portfolio dedicated to EV logistics and to increase the pace of decarbonization.

“We are proud to bring this important, and sustainable solution to our operations here in the Philippines,” added Promod George, senior director of operations at DHL Philippines. “These new additions contribute two significant advantages to our fleet: reduced carbon emissions and lower operating costs.”

According to DHL’s business report, transportation accounts for 15 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions. With 95 percent of vehicles powered by gasoline or diesel engines, DHL said the most significant change that could be made was to switch to a greener mode of transportation.

In line with its “sustainability roadmap,” Deutsche Post DHL Group has committed to invest a total of 7 billion euros (P405 billion) over the next 10 years for carbon dioxide reduction measures, including the expansion of its e-vehicle fleet.