DPD trials new electric Mercedes-Benz eActros

The vehicle’s low coupling height will enable DPD to assess the eActros in a realistic configuration, pulling DPD’s double-deck trailers. DPD has operated double-deck trailers for many years, which reduces the number of vehicles on the road by increasing parcel capacity thus reducing emissions.

The vehicle will be based at DPD’s Hub 4 and 5 in Hinckley and after undergoing driver training, route and range testing, the eActros will be assigned to a DPD customer route. The truck is equipped with three battery packs that have a total battery capacity of 336kWh, enabling a range of up to 136 miles on a single charge.

A key element of the trial will be charging the eActros using DPD’s existing infrastructure of 50kW chargers – primarily used by delivery vans – during the day when there will be sufficient downtime for the truck to charge.

Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPD Group UK, said: “This is our first long-term trial of an eHGV within our fleet, specifically pulling our double-deck trailers. Our objective is to make this as realistic as possible, therefore the load and the route will be typical of our overnight operation.”