From March, the truck will run between two DHL Freight logistics terminals in Sweden. The one-way distance is approximately 150 kilometers. During this test phase, Volvo and DHL expect to gain insights and information on the setup and operation of a charging infrastructure.

"We want to reduce all logistics-related emissions to zero. Important milestones have already been reached: compared to 2007, the_{CO2 efficiency} of our Group has improved by 35 percent. However, we are also dependent on innovative technology solutions and strong partnerships along the way. I am confident that our close cooperation with Volvo Trucks, one of the largest truck brands in the world, will bring us another important step closer to our ambitious environmental goals in the road transportation sector," explains Uwe Brinks, CEO of DHL Freight.

"The transportation business is changing rapidly and sustainability is an increasingly important business advantage for many of our customers. We offer effective transport solutions that enable a rapid switch to fossil-free drives such as electricity. We have a long-standing relationship with DHL. Thanks to their extensive and global expertise in logistics, we can explore the conditions for technological change to further drive it and adapt our system to customers' needs and transportation preferences," says Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

DHL Freight actively promotes various sustainability and fossil-free technology projects and has introduced a climate-friendly shipping program in Sweden. Customers pay a fixed surcharge for every parcel or pallet shipped and the proceeds are fully invested in clean technologies within the Swedish network.

"The logistics sector is facing an immense challenge, but at the same time a great opportunity - the decarbonization of freight transport. By partnering with Volvo Trucks, DHL Freight is taking an even greater role in the transition to sustainable alternatives - another important demonstration of our long-term strategy towards climate-neutral transportation," explains Robert Zander, CEO of DHL Freight Sweden.

The Volvo FL Electric and Volvo FE Electric truck models for distribution in urban areas are already in series production. A new, purpose-built Volvo FL Electric truck has recently entered service in London as the country's first all-electric truck for urban transportation for DHL Supply Chain. After Volvo Trucks started selling the VNR Electric in North America at the end of last year, sales of the electric heavy-duty product range will also start in Europe this year.

"We have set ourselves the goal of converting our entire truck portfolio to fossil-free alternatives by 2040 at the latest," explains Roger Alm.

Project details:

• The DHL-Volvo project will begin in the first quarter of 2021 and is part of REEL, an initiative led by Sweden's innovation agency Vinnova, which promotes the transition to electrified freight transportation systems.
• The route runs between the Swedish cities of Gothenburg and Jönköping and is just 150 kilometers long.
• The vehicles will be loaded at DHL in Jönköping and at the Volvo Truck Center in Gothenburg.