International parcel delivery provider DHL Express plans to add another 100 propane-powered pickup and delivery vans to its U.S. fleet starting August – joining propane vehicles already in operation for DHL in Ohio, Tennessee and Louisiana.
The 100 Ford Motor Co. E-250 cargo vans will be powered by a liquid propane autogas fuel system from Roush CleanTech and will support DHL Express pickup and delivery service within California, Florida, Georgia, Missouri and Texas.
This effort is part of the global “GoGreen” strategic effort put in place by Germany’s Deutsche Post DHL, which is DHL’s parent company, to improve its worldwide carbon efficiency 30% by 2020 (using 2007 levels as a baseline).
Ian Clough, CEO of DHL Express U.S., said propane autogas saves over 22,587 pounds of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions each year and reduces greenhouse gases by up to 25%, carbon monoxide by up to 60%, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) by 20% and virtually eliminates particulate matter when compared to conventional fuels.
“Customers in the U.S. and worldwide are increasingly demanding greener logistics and sustainable business procedures and out propane autogas fleet not only lowers DHL’s carbon footprint, but provide a smart, clean and cost-effective choice for our business,” he added.
Clough also noted that DHL Express plans to use existing public refueling infrastructure in addition to adding refueling capability at its service center facilities – pointing out that Deutsche Post DHL’s worldwide fleet consists of over 4,000 non-conventional vehicles either powered by alternative fuels or modified for improved fuel-efficiency.
