The road tests mark a step towards the introduction of electric heavy-duty trucks into DPD’s transport operations later this year. Following induction and driver training, the vehicle will be deployed on live parcel delivery routes while towing a standard trailer.
The company confirmed that it is working with MAN to develop a version of the eTGX capable of pulling double-decker trailers — a configuration DPD has used for many years to maximise load capacity and reduce emissions per parcel. Testing of the first double-decker-compatible electric HGV is expected to begin later this year.
The trial follows DPD’s broader shift to alternative fuels. In 2023, the company converted the majority of its 1,600 HGVs to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Currently, 95% of its HGV fleet is powered by HVO, a move DPD says has reduced emissions by 83% compared to conventional diesel.
According to the company, these measures have collectively contributed to a 47.5% reduction in overall emissions across its UK operation by the end of 2024, compared to a 2020 baseline. The figures have been validated under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which recognises DPD UK’s contribution toward Geopost’s Net Zero 2040 target.
While the company sees HVO as a viable short- to medium-term solution for reducing emissions from long-haul freight, it is continuing to explore electrification for its heavy fleet. DPD stated that over a third of its delivery vans are already electric.
“We now believe we can get the configuration we need to maintain our double-decker trailer fleet,” said Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications & Sustainability at DPDgroup UK. “Electric HGVs have the potential to become a viable solution in the future. HVO 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.”
Stefan Thyssen, Managing Director of MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, added:
“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.”
