DPD has begun a long-term trial of the electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 300 that will see it deployed on a customer route to understand its range, payload and charging performance.
The eActros lowliner, assigned to pull double-deck trailers, will be based at the parcel delivery firm’s Hub 4 and 5 in Hinckley.
Following driver training, route and range testing, it will be used on a DPD customer route.
The eActros 300 is equipped with three battery packs that have a total battery capacity of 336kWh, enabling a range of up to 220km on a single battery charge.
A key element of the trial will be charging the eActros during the day using DPD’s existing infrastructure of 50kW chargers – primarily used by delivery vans–- when there will be sufficient downtime for the truck to charge using them.
As part of Geopost, DPD UK has a Net Zero target of 2040, which is fully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability, DPD Group UK said, “This is our first long-term trial of an eHGV within our fleet, specifically pulling our double-deck trailers.
“Our objective is to make this as realistic as possible, therefore the load and the route will be typical of our overnight operation.
“This will give us valuable insight into how we can maximize our current charging infrastructure within our transport department’s operation as well as how changing seasons from autumn through to spring affect the vehicle’s performance.
“This kind of real-world experience is crucial for a true assessment of the potential for lower-emission alternatives in the future.”
