DHL Express expands US fleet with Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans

The delivery provider has added 45 battery-electric vans to its last-mile fleet in key markets including Chicago, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh.

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DHL has added the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter last-mile delivery van to its fleet in several major U.S. markets.
DHL has added the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter last-mile delivery van to its fleet in several major U.S. markets.
DHL

DHL Express has announced the addition of 45 new Mercedes-Benz eSprinter electric delivery vans to its U.S. fleet, which will be deployed in key metropolitan markets, specifically Chicago, IL; Indianapolis, IN; Pittsburgh, PA; Elizabeth, NJ; and Moonachie, NJ.

The delivery provider says this is the first U.S. market expansion of a global partnership with the German OEM. To date, DHL has over 100,000 eSprinters making deliveries globally, and this figure is expected to rise in the coming years. 

[Related: NHTSA opens investigation into 17,000 Rivian delivery vans over seat belt malfunction]

"Electrifying our fleet is one of the most visible and impactful ways we are moving toward a more sustainable future," said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express U.S. "The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter brings an extended range and proven cargo capabilities that allow us to serve our customers with zero emissions, while also advancing our global goal of more sustainable logistics. These vehicles not only strengthen our operations in major U.S. cities but also set the stage for future electric fleet growth across the Americas."

Officially, these EV vans have a 206-mile range but DHL claims it has "consistently seen them exceed 240 miles," the longest-range BEV in its U.S. fleet so far. This enhanced range makes the vans well-suited for urban logistics while also extending their capability to handle longer delivery routes. Additionally, they provide generous cargo capacity, supporting efficient last-mile operations without compromising payload or reliability.

On-site charging infrastructure was installed at DHL facilities in these specific markets so that the vehicles can be easily and quickly recharged when not in service. 

This U.S. market EV deployment aligns with DHL's global Sustainability Roadmap, which targets the electrification of 66% of its last-mile delivery fleet by 2030. This initiative is part of a broader commitment that also includes expanding carbon-neutral facilities, increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuels, and advancing other key decarbonization efforts.

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[Related: DHL declares: 'Tesla Semi is ready for prime time']

Jay Traugott has covered the automotive and transportation sector for over a decade and now serves as Senior Editor for Clean Trucking. He holds a drifting license and has driven on some of the world's best race tracks, including the Nurburgring and Spa. He lives near Boulder, Colorado and spends his free time snowboarding and backcountry hiking. He can be reached at [email protected].

Hydrogen Fuel Cell & BEV Survey
The following survey was sent as a link in an email cover message in February 2023 to the newsletter lists for Overdrive and CCJ. After approximately two weeks, a total of 176 owner-operators under their own authority, 113 owner-operators leased or assigned to a carrier and 82 fleet executives and 36 fleet employees from fleets with 10 or more power units had completed and submitted the questionnaire for a total of 407 qualified responses. Cross-tabulations based on respondent type are provided for each question when applicable.
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