DHL Express: Premiere for H2 truck at Apple in Belgium

The Deutsche Post division DHL Express has now become the first business unit to deploy a hydrogen-powered truck for regular line haul operations. The logistics company is conducting a truck pilot test on the route between Breda in the Netherlands and Brussels in Belgium as part of the "H2 Share" project under the Interreg North-West Europe program. The aim of the program, coordinated by WaterstofNet, is to facilitate the development of low-CO2 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty vehicles for logistics and to gain practical experiences in various areas. The program is intended to create a transnational "Living Lab" and a foundation for the development of the zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle industry.

"In a globalized world, sustainable and clean fuels are crucial for climate-neutral logistics. This applies not only to sea and air freight but also to road freight transport, as it helps reduce CO2 emissions. That is why we are committed not only to the electrification of our fleet but also to investing in the development of alternative propulsion systems for long distances. The project proves that we can achieve truly emission-free logistics in Europe if we come together and build on our experiences," explains Alberto Nobis, CEO of DHL Express Europe.

While battery-electric trucks could be efficiently used for last-mile delivery, renewable energy fuels like hydrogen are important for emission-free line haul operations. The logistics company is now testing a heavy-duty vehicle with a fuel cell range extender from VDL. The truck, operated by the Dutch carrier Nassau Sneltransport, covers a distance of approximately 200 km daily, crossing the Dutch-Belgian border.

As part of the project, the truck is refueled daily in Breda at a mobile fueling station by Wystrach. It transports shipments for the client Apple. During the pilot phase, up to 350 tons of CO2 can be saved with this new technology. In line with its sustainability roadmap, DPDHL is increasingly investing in the use of alternative fuels. The belief is that hydrogen opens up new markets and can contribute to green transport solutions. Insights from the project will now be used to evaluate the potential of this fuel alternative and to support decision-making processes, it is stated further.