In a bid to meet decarbonisation targets for its operations, DHL Express has signed its first-ever order for 12 all-electric ‘Alice’ eCargo aircraft from US-based Eviation.
John Pearson, CEO, DHL Express, said, “On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions.”
The 12 aircraft on order will be zero emissions and the world’s first electric express cargo network.
Omer Bar-Yohay, CEO, Eviation, said, “Partnering with companies like DHL who are the leaders in sustainable e-cargo transportation is a testament that the electric era is upon us. This announcement is a significant milestone on our quest to transform the future of flight across the globe.”
Eviation states that it will require 30 minutes or less to charge the all-electric aircraft per flight hour, and the aircraft can also be charged during loading and unloading operations.
Alice can be flown by a single pilot and operate in sectors currently serviced by piston and turbine engine aircraft. The all-electric aircraft will have a cargo payload capacity of 1.2 tonne and a maximum flight range of 815 km.
DHL Express is part of the DPDHL Group, which is investing €7 billion (Opex and Capex) by 2030 to reduce its CO2 emissions.