DHL has begun operating what it claims is the first purpose-built fully-electric 16-tonne vehicle in the UK.
The Volvo FL Electric 4×2 rigid is now part of DHL Supply Chain’s fleet in London, making last-mile deliveries into the West End shopping district.
The vehicle is powered by four 200kWh batteries, which can run for 120 miles, carrying a maximum of 12 pallets and weighing up to six tonnes.
It will recharge overnight at DHL’s base in Purfleet for daily operations into the city centre. As well as being a zero-emission vehicle, the Volvo FL Electric 4×2 will also be 3-star compliant to the London Direct Vision Standard.
Ian Clough, managing director, network logistics and transport, UK and Ireland, DHL Supply Chain, said: “The Volvo FL Electric is the perfect solution to the challenges of urban logistics, allowing us to make deliveries in densely populated inner-city locations where air quality and noise pollution challenges are highest.”
