Shifting into sustainability in Santiago

Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is often easier said than done. Companies face challenges that vary from country to country or even city to city.

Think of it this way: Your situation and where you live determine whether an electric car, public transport, or a bike would be the best solution for reducing your GHG emissions. Maybe a combination of the two works for you – or even a completely different option, like an electric scooter.

At DHL, we face a similar challenge every day. We want to reduce our GHG emissions wherever possible, but the hurdles are significant. This story from DHL Chile perfectly illustrates what it takes to shift to more sustainable operations.

Our team in Santiago wanted to transition last-mile delivery services to electric vehicles (EVs). They needed a solution that ensured employee safety, fit the facility’s configuration, supported 30+ EVs, was cost-effective, and could adapt to future technologies. On top of all that, they also needed to meet the strict requirements of local authorities. That’s a tall order, and no out-of-the-box solution could fulfill it.

How did they do it? Let’s find out. 

It became clear that an innovative approach was needed to meet operational needs and comply with regulations. So the team began collaborating with potential suppliers and local authorities, pushing suppliers to develop a customized solution and sharing developments with authorities for evaluation. This proactive collaboration was key to finding the solution and ensuring it complied with regulations.

The breakthrough came in the form of an elevated charging infrastructure specifically designed to fit the facility’s layout. The lightweight overhead structure is retractable, so it doesn’t interfere with operations but remains easily accessible for delivery drivers, maintenance personnel, and government inspectors. The system is scalable and can adapt to different EV models while offering cutting-edge technology, such as predictive load algorithms, dynamic energy balancing, and real-time monitoring.

This innovative setup turned the team’s vision into reality, paving the way for a fleet of new electric delivery vans.

Today, our last-mile delivery in Santiago, Chile, boasts 23 e-vehicles, with plans to expand the fleet to 38 by the end of 2025. Operations are now nearly 100% electric, reducing last-mile emissions significantly and contributing to our Group’s 2030 goal of electrifying over 66% of our last-mile delivery vehicles worldwide as we work toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

The project has also set a benchmark for sustainable last-mile logistics in the region. The scalable model has potential nationwide in Chile and across other countries in Central and South America. Projects to increase our EV fleet in other countries, such as Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Mexico, and Peru, are already underway. 

Electrifying last-mile delivery in Santiago is not just a win for Chile – it’s a template for developing sustainable solutions across the region.

The biggest lesson from our team in Santiago is the power of turning unique regulatory and on-site challenges into opportunities. Here are some of the key takeaways:

1. Collaboration: Actively engaging suppliers and regulatory agencies is critical to success.
2. Innovation and adaptability: Be open to and encourage new ideas to overcome regulatory and operational challenges.
3. Safety and efficiency: Prioritizing employee well-being and operational efficiency guided the way to the innovative overhead solution.
4. Scalability: A forward-thinking approach led to a scalable, modular design that could be deployed in other facilities with similar challenges.
5. State-of-the-art technology: The advanced management system enables dynamic charging and allows for intelligent control and monitoring.

Our team in Santiago tackled regulatory and operational challenges head-on to develop a unique, innovative solution that reduces our GHG emissions and moves us closer to our goals. It’s a fabulous reminder of the importance of innovation as we shift into sustainability.