KUALA LUMPUR: Courier service provider DHL Express is phasing in a commercial electric vehicle (EV) fleet in Malaysia with the addition of 61 EVs by 2023.
It said initially, six CAM EC35 electric vans would be deployed in early October, serving the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor areas for last-mile deliveries.
"DHL will add a further 55 to bring the total number of EVs to 61 by 2023. These will be deployed to other states nationwide,” it said in a statement today.
It said the deployment of CAM EC35 would see fuel cost savings of 48 per cent over conventional vehicles and a 33 per cent decrease in carbon dioxide emissions annually.
DHL Express said the initiative formed part of Deutsche Post DHL Group’s global target to electrify 60 per cent of its last-mile delivery vehicles by 2030, strengthening its portfolio dedicated to EV logistics and supporting its sustainability roadmap.
"DHL Express plans to have more than 1,000 electric vehicles in Asia Pacific by 2024,” it said.
At the same time, the courier said it has been developing infrastructure to support the roll-out.
"For example, smart charging points at the service centres are designed for scalability for additional electric vans in the coming years,” it said.
It added that the change to electric vans is also aligned with the National Automotive Policy 2020, which emphasised the importance of energy-efficient vehicles as Malaysia is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo said the company’s investment always aimed to improve its carbon footprint and advancements in electric vehicle technology played a crucial role and contribute significantly to its mission of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
"This is an important milestone in our decarbonisation journey and a step forward for making clean logistics a reality,” he said.
