Pushing ahead with electrification
As part of Brussels airport’s Stargate project, DHL Express is leading the way in the field of electric ground-handling equipment. Following a successful test phase, one in three of the cargo transporter’s tractors and loaders that sort and transport time-critical shipments from Brussels airport will be fully electric this summer.
The company’s crew buses and tarmac cars are already 100% electric. This investment is a first step for DHL Express towards reducing its CO2 footprint on the ground by more than half.
Over the past days and weeks, DHL’s express carrier has put eleven electric tractors (which can tow up to four cargo containers) and thirteen electric container lifts, belly loaders and pushbacks into operation at Brussels airport.
And that is just the beginning, for in the coming months and years, DHL Express aims to develop a fully electric ground fleet in phases at the airport, with machines that are both more sustainable and quieter than their diesel counterparts. And of course, the electric charging stations will follow, the company says. (cj)