EUROPE’S FIRST MULTIMODAL SOLUTION INVOLVING ELECTRIC TRUCKS UNDER THE COLOURS OF THE POLISH DHL SUPPLY CHAIN

• DHL Supply Chain has invested and purchased five state-of-the-art fully electric Volvo FM Electric trucks
• These are among the first electric vehicles in Poland and in the Polish logistics operator's fleet
• E-trucks will be part of intermodal transport operations mainly in the western part of Poland, and on markets in Central and Eastern Europe

On 16 March in Żerniki near Poznań, Volvo Trucks, the largest supplier of electric trucks in Poland, handed over the symbolic keys to five Volvo FM Electric vehicles to DHL Supply Chain. The modern e-trucks, which set trends in zero-emission and comfortable transport, will operate under the colours of the leading logistics operator mainly in the western part of Poland, and additionally in the markets of Central and Eastern Europe. The investment is another step in the DHL Deutsche Post Group's 'DSC GoGreen 2050' strategy to achieve zero-emission logistics in 2050.

Taking care of the environment, consciously promoting an ESG culture and acting sustainably, topped off by building a zero-carbon economy and investing in solutions that help meet the challenges of the future today; these are the pillars on which the business of DHL Deutsche Post Group and its constituent DHL Supply Chain is based. As one of the leaders in green change, the company will significantly reduce its CO2 emissions by 2030. This will be made possible by, among other things: switching to sustainable fuels and electrifying its last-mile fleet. By the end of the decade, 60 per cent of internal combustion vehicles will be replaced by electric ones. In line with the 'DSC GoGreen 2050' strategy, the Group plans to spend more than €7 billion on these and other investments. The cars shown in Żerniki are one element of this plan.

– Sustainability is the greatest challenge of our time and our shared responsibility. We recognise that our actions here and now determine the world that future generations will find. Building multi-modal solutions and a zero-emission fleet, which Volvo Trucks is helping us to achieve, is another important milestone in a strategy that places great emphasis on achieving very ambitious environmental goals – said Orkun Saruhanoglu, CEO DHL Supply Chain CEE.

The use of electric trucks is part of an overall project that is entirely based on Multimodal Transport. This solution not only contributes to reducing the carbon footprint, but is also a greener alternative to traditional road transport.  In an era of a shortage of professional drivers, the Multimodal solution is also an ideal alternative to traditional road transport.

The scale of DHL Supply Chain's project investment does not just stop at the purchase of state-of-the-art electric trucks, but also includes the purchase of trailers adapted to ultra-fast 350 kW chargers, which will charge an e-truck's battery from 0 to 100% in around two hours.  The electric chargers have been deployed in two key locations of DHL Supply Chain Poland, which will enable efficient use of the modern fleet. It is worth noting that the energy used in the charging process comes entirely from renewable sources, which is part of the implementation of the 'DSC GoGreen 2050' strategy of the entire DPDHL group.

The all-electric Volvo FM Electric truck model, which will upgrade the fleet, is equipped with a 540 kWh battery that can travel up to 300 km. It is one of six all-electric truck models designed to perform a wide variety of transport tasks that Volvo Trucks has on offer. Like the Volvo FH and FMX Electric models, the vehicle to be driven by DHL Supply Chain drivers has a GVW of up to 44t.

– Big players in the transport and logistics industry play key roles in the move towards climate neutrality and guiding the industry's efforts to lower its carbon footprint. At Volvo Trucks, we have been producing six electric models worldwide since September 2022, and our comprehensive range is a step forward in reducing our impact on climate change. I am pleased that we can support DHL Supply Chain in reducing emissions while delivering transport services to their customers – said Marek Gawroński, E-Mobility & Sustainability Director, Volvo Trucks Poland.

Volvo Trucks provides comprehensive transport solutions and has a full range of medium and heavy-duty trucks. Drivers and vehicle owners of the Swedish brand can count on the support from its dealer network, which consists of 2,200 service points spread across 130 countries worldwide. Volvo Trucks assembly lines are located in 13 different countries. Volvo Trucks is part of the Volvo Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of trucks, buses, construction equipment and marine and industrial engines. The Group also provides complete financing and service solutions. Volvo Trucks' work is based on core values such as quality, safety and environmental care.