DHL China Launched a Pilot Project for Hydrogen-fueled Trucks

CHINA(chinatrucks.com): Recently, DHL Express launched a pilot project for hydrogen fuel cell long-haul freight trucks in China. The project aims to verify the performance of hydrogen fuel technology in heavy-duty trucks in actual use, and accumulate practical experience for promoting the application of hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks in the logistics field.

The trial run will last for four weeks and will be conducted using hydrogen fuel cell powered trucks with an operating range of 350 km. It will travel to and from DHL's North Asia Hub at Pudong Airport and DHL's Shanghai-Jiaxing Service Center on Jingtang Road and be used for long-distance transportation of import and export express shipments, with a daily mileage of more than 140 kilometers.

"The use of sustainable and clean fuels will effectively reduce CO2 emissions in the logistics and transportation industry. As we continue to increase the electrification ratio of our fleet, we are also beginning to explore alternative drive systems for long-haul transportation. Together with our industry partners, we will use the experience gained from this pilot project to work towards decarbonizing the logistics industry." said Wu Mangmang, Senior Vice President of DHL Express China Agency Operations. 

In March 2021, DHL Express' parent company Deutsche Post DHL published a new sustainability roadmap, setting clear medium and long-term goals and action plans around ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance). By 2030, the Group aims to reach 60% electrification of its ground operation pick-up and delivery vehicles worldwide. In China, DHL Express is committed to achieving a 30% share of green-fueled long-haul trucks, in addition to completing its overall goal on schedule.

In this regard, DHL Express China Ground Operations Director Xu Debin said." Electric trucks are now widely used for our last-mile pickup and delivery, and the electrification rate of our fleet has exceeded 20%. Due to their significant advantages in high load capacity, long distance and high intensity transportation, hydrogen batteries have great potential for development and wide application prospects. The results of this trial run will be used to assess the potential of hydrogen fuel as an alternative energy source and to offer support for further planning and decision making.”

In November 2021, DHL Express China signed a five-year “Strategic Cooperation Agreement on the Application of Hydrogen Energy Logistics Vehicles with Hyfun and Shanghai Pujiang Special Gas Co., Ltd. With the launch of this pilot project for the hydrogen fueled trucks, DHL will go on the fast track of putting hydrogen powered vehicles into practical use. 

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