DPD is running trials of electric HGVs with MAN, with the aim of introducing a configuration capable of pulling double-deck trailers later this year.
The parcel company is piloting the MAN eTGX, which has a range of up to 800km and a charging capacity of up to 750kW.
The truck will be based at DPD’s Hinckley hub 4 where it will be assigned to a route for operational testing, towing a standard trailer.
DPD converted the majority of its 1,600 HGVs to HVO in 2023 and 95% of its fleet now runs on the fuel; it said emissions had reduced by 83% as a result.
However, the transition to electric presents an additional challenge as DPD operates double-deck trailers and so it is currently working with MAN to develop an electric configuration that will pull double-decks.
It said the first vehicle with that spec will be on test later in 2025.
The company, part of Geopost, has a net zero target of 2040 and it said the UK operation is on track to meet the group target, having delivered a 47.5% reduction in overall emissions at the end of 2024, compared to a 2020 benchmark.
Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPDgroup UK, said: “With over a third of our delivery vans now electric and the vast majority of our transport fleet running on HVO, we have made very real progress towards meeting our net zero targets.
“Electric HGVs have the potential to become a viable solution in the future, and we now believe we can get the configuration we need to maintain our double-decker trailer fleet, which has enabled us to reduce the overall number of HGVs we put on the road for many years.
He added: “HVO is likely to remain the most effective solution in the medium term, delivering a huge emissions reduction.
“It remains key to our strategy for reaching our near-term target in 2030, but we are keen to work with manufacturers to help develop the electric trucks that can work for us in the real world.”
MAN Truck MD Sefan Thyssen said: “As a manufacturer, we are committed to supporting our customers in decarbonizing their road transport operations.
“These trials with our all-electric eTGX tractor not only demonstrate the real-world viability of electric trucks in a high-demand logistics environment but also highlight the significant emissions reductions and sustainability benefits they bring to the industry.”
