DHL is looking to BYD for its green trial

DHL has added four BYD Class 8 battery-electric trucks in a pilot in the Los Angeles market, just in time for the peak holiday shipping season.

DHL plans to use the new trucks in the Los Angeles market, to haul goods to and from the DHL LAX Gateway and local service centre facilities.

"The introduction of these efficient electric trucks is a huge step forward, not only toward achieving our own clean transport goals, but also California's ambitious goals on the adoption of zero-emission vehicles," says Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express US. "By implementing these electric trucks, we will prevent more than 300 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from entering the atmosphere per year, as we continue to grow and enhance our clean pick-up and delivery solutions."

The new trucks enhance the company's robust alternative fuel vehicle (AFV) fleet in the US, which includes fully electric, hybrid-electric, and clean diesel - in addition to low-power electric-assist e-Cargo Cycles.

In addition, DHL Express has 72 all-electric battery-powered vans on order from multiple vendors, which will support DHL pickup and delivery operations throughout California and New York.