Deutsche Post DHL Group partners with Ford to deploy 2,000 electric vans within a year

Image: Ford Pro

Announced today (7 December), the MoU states a shared mission to accelerate the deployment of electric vans and supporting infrastructure and technologies across the logistics sector globally.

It will see Ford Pro providing Deutsche Post DHL Group with 2,000 new electric vans for its global fleet within the next 12 months. The new E-Transit will be the primary model for the order. This model boasts a range of up to 196 miles and a maximum gross payload of 1,711kg.

Ford Pro will also be tasked with installing charging infrastructure at Deutsche Post DHL Group’s depots, and will be contracted to fit the vans with telematics software that is designed to improve efficiency. These systems monitor factors including routes taken, braking, turning and acceleration.

These changes will contribute to Deutsche Post DHL Group’s ambition for electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 60% of its fleet by 2030. The firm already operates around 27,000 EVs, including Ford E-Transits in the UK, Bulgaria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, Mexico and the Netherlands.

Also by 2030,  Deutsche Post DHL Group is aiming to reduce its Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (power-related) emissions by 42% and its Scope 3 (indirect) emissions from fuel, upstream transportation, distribution and business travel by 25%. Both targets have a 2021 baseline year and have been verified by the Science-Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) in line with 1.5C. These targets support a long-term goal of net-zero across the business value chain by 2050.

“[The] electrification of last mile logistics is a major pillar to decarbonise our operations,” said Deutsche Post DHL Group’s chief procurement officer and head of mobility Anna Spinelli.

“Adding the new Ford E-Transit to our global fleet of around 27,000 electric vans further strengthens our capability of providing green delivery services worldwide. Joining forces to address our logistics-specific requirements will drive operational and service efficiency further.”

As for Ford, the automaker will only sell zero-emission vehicles in Europe from 2035 and is striving to deliver carbon-neutral facilities, logistics and supply chains in Europe by the same date. The business has a global commitment to carbon neutrality no later than 2050.

Looking to the future, the MoU will potentially enable Ford and Deutsche Post DHL Group to co-develop new vehicles, charging solutions and digital technologies. Ford will provide Deutsche Post DHL Group with early access to its innovations in EVs.

McCarthy Stone

In related news, retirement property developer and manager McCarthy Stone has signed a new three-year deal with EV charging point provider Pod Point this week.

The deal will see Pod Point chargers fitted to serve every parking space at new McCarthy Stone developments. The firm is aiming to build 60 new developments each year. It also covers the retrofitting of existing McCarthy Stone locations with charging points.

A survey conducted by McCarthy Stone, covering 1,000 UK residents aged 65 and over, found that more than four in ten people (44%) in this age demographic look for an EV charging point when considering a move to a new property.

The charging points will have a scheduling function that enables motorists to charge at specific times of day. They may wish to do this to take advantage of cheaper electricity at off-peak times.