DHL says that due to its particular suitability for stop-start journeys, the truck will be used around London as part of the NHS Supply Chain contract.
If the trial proves successful and the truck generates higher savings than existing hybrid vehicles, the company hopes that the new technology could play a major role in its urban, local and home delivery operations in the future.
Conceived by DHL’s engineering teams, and developed with UK hybrid and electric vehicle drive specialist, Magtec, the hybrid electric truck features an on-board power generator and an innovative energy storage system.
The investment is part of Deutsche Post DHL’s group-wide GoGreen programme, which aims to improve CO2 emissions from the 2007 baseline by 30% by 2020.
Jonathan Chadburn, VP Commercial and Fleet Services (UK Transport) at DHL Supply Chain, said: ‘This latest innovation underlines DHL Supply Chain’s commitment to sustainability and to driving better results for our customers. We always strive to improve our environmental performance and are proud to be at the forefront of green innovation in the logistics sector.’