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Deutsche Post DHL to double production of self-developed electric vans

Xinhua, April 11, 2017 Adjust font size:

German mail and courier services provider Deutsche Post DHL announced Tuesday that it would be doubling the production of the electric vans it has developed.

Currently there are 2,500 of them on Germany's roads. The logistics firm now plans to double production from 10,000 to up to 20,000 vehicles by the end of 2017, adding a new factory in North Rhine Westphalia.

The vans, which have hitherto been optimized for delivering mail, will now also be sold to third parties.

The company surprised many, including its incumbent van supplier Volkswagen, when it announced last year that it had developed and produced its own electric vehicles -- the StreetScooter electric van.

"We remain the engine of electro-mobility and aim to become market leader in green logistics," said Mail and parcel CEO Juergen Gerdes. The company has set a goal of zero logistics-related emissions by 2050.

At least half of this year's annual production is forecast to be sold to third party users. Deutsche Post DHL is targeting buyers across local government, existing partners and large fleet customers in Germany and the rest of Europe.

The StreetScooter will cost 32,000 euros for the most basic model of van. E-bikes and e-trikes will also be available to buy. Larger vehicles are expected to join the market offering in 2018. Endit