DPD Czech Republic, part of the largest European parcel delivery network Geopost, is starting to use a Volvo FH Electric, fully electric heavy-duty truck, to transport parcels between depots in Central Bohemia and around Prague. This way of transporting parcels represents another important step for DPD on its journey towards a fully low-emission transport across Europe.
The Volvo FH Electric truck, which will run daily between the central hub in Modletice and the depots in Central Bohemia and around Prague, will travel up to 300 km per charge and carry up to 2,000 standard-sized parcels. DPD CZ has its own electric chargers within its depots, so the movement between depots should be smooth and trouble-free. Volvo FH Electric can reduce annual CO2 emissions by up to 5 tonnes.
“Sustainable delivery and the associated healthier environment is still one of the highest priorities at DPD. Therefore, the inclusion of this vehicle in our fleet is a very important milestone for us and our customers. Not only will we gradually deploy more alternative fuel trucks such as electricity, biogas or hydrogen throughout the Czech Republic, but by 2040 Geopost will also switch to them 100% throughout Europe. It is important for us that we and our contractors have such a strong partner in this area as Volvo Trucks,” said Miloš Malaník, CEO of DPD Czech Republic.
“We are thrilled to deliver our first fully electric Volvo FH in DPD colours to the Czech Republic. I am convinced that offering emission-free electric transport is becoming a key competitive advantage. This is a significant step towards our vision of a sustainable transport system and we are proud to be at the forefront of this transformation. We believe that electric trucks are the future of transport,” said John Muldoon, CEO of Volvo Group Czech Republic.
DPD Czech Republic has committed to delivering by only low-emission vehicles in Prague and Ostrava by the end of 2025 and to achieving net-zero emissions among the entire Geopost by 2040. In partial steps, this means, for example, a 100% switch to alternative fuels for long-distance (linehaul) transport and the electrification of all deliver vans in Europe by 2035. DPD has been delivering all parcels in 100% carbon neutral mode since 2012. It also operates two bike depots in Prague, from which it serves the wider city centre with e-bike and walking couriers. It also monitors the air within the capital using 70 vans and 20 measuring devices on buildings. Any citizen can check the air quality where they live in real time on a dedicated website.