Ternat, August 20, 2024: DHL eCommerce Belgium has put into use two electric Volvo box trucks. These are the first electric trucks that the logistics service provider drives in Belgium. From the RegionHub in Oudsbergen and Ternat, both trucks deliver their pallets and large packages to business addresses in the surrounding area. In an official ceremony, the DHL drivers received the keys to their new electric box truck, for which they have been specially trained. In addition to electrification, DHL eCommerce is also committed to driving on HVO-100 diesel; a sustainable alternative to fossil fuel.
About the box truck in Oudsbergen and Ternat
DHL eCommercer has chosen the Volvo FE 19 tonnes version. The box truck has an average range of 300 km and is equipped with the most recent safety systems. The DHL RegionHubs in Oudsbergen and Ternat will gain experience with the electric trucks. From Ternat, the electric box truck is used on the route through Anderlecht and Vorst and through Aalst. The branch in Oudsbergen supplies the center of Hasselt with this box truck. The electric trucks are charged at the DHL facilities with charging stations that are suitable for charging such powerful batteries.
Key handover
DHL put the electric trucks into use during an official ceremony at the RegionHub in Oudsbergen. Frank Van Hille, Managing Director of DHL eCommerce Belgium, received the keys from Frank Kimpe, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Belgium.
Frank Van Hille: “It is a first step for DHL eCommerce. Further improvement of the public charging infrastructure and a greater supply of electric trucks should further stimulate electrification.“
Van Hille handed over the keys to the drivers Thierry De Smedt (Ternat) and Usam Tsokayev (Oudsbergen) who will drive the electric box trucks. They received specific training from Volvo Trucks to safely get the most kilometers out of their electric truck. “The first experiences with the electric box truck are positive. A number of customers were also impressed by the car,” says driver Thierry De Smedt.