The Volvo ‘FH Electric’ truck will become a permanent part of the GLS fleet in June 2024, following a successful trial period. This introduction follows GLS’s two-stage pilot programme, which began last year, focusing on the potential of battery-electric technology for longer distances.
The addition of this electric vehicle complements GLS’s existing fleet, which already includes trucks powered by alternative fuels such as (bio)LNG, HVO100 and hydrogen fuel cells.
Currently, more than 1,100 zero- and low-emission delivery vehicles are in daily use in more than 250 cities in Germany.
Since its introduction, the battery-electric truck has covered more than 20,000 kilometres and transported approximately 150,000 parcels, averaging 2,500 parcels per day.
“We are driven by our desire to innovate and are constantly testing new technologies where they make sense. The addition of the electric truck to our fleet is a testament to our progress towards sustainable long-distance transport,” said Jakob Nielsen, Regional Manager at GLS.
The truck has a battery capacity of 540 kWh and can be fully charged in two hours using a standard fast charger. It has a tested range of up to 350 kilometres under full load, making it suitable for longer distances.
The vehicle is currently being used between the GLS sites in Kürnach, Franconia, and Neuenstein, Hesse, making effective use of its maximum range.
Charging is integrated into the daily logistics operations at the Neuenstein site.