DHL Express Orders Fleet of Electric Airplanes

In a major step towards becoming carbon-neutral, DHL Express has ordered twelve all-electric airplanes from Eviation. DHL Express expects the electric plane manufacturer to deliver the fleet by 2024.

Who is Eviation?

Eviation is the company that manufacturers the world’s first all-electric airplanes. Eviation calls the plane model that DHL Express ordered the “Alice” (mock rendering pictured in the article’s main photo, above).

According to the Eviation website, the “Alice” is the world’s first all-electric commuter aircraft. A single pilot can operate the plane, which can carry a maximum weight of 1,200 kilograms (or roughly 2,645 pounds). Each “Alice” aircraft requires 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour, and features a maximum range of up to 815 kilometers (or just over 500 miles).

The “Alice” will first take flight later this year, and can be configured for both cargo or passenger flights. DHL Express, of course, will use the plane to distribute domestic and international packages.

Are Electric Airplanes the Future of the Shipping and Logistics Industries?

While the other major shipping carriers have all made investments in electric delivery vans, none have announced any plans to invest in electric airplanes as of yet. DHL Express, however, is clear about the goal to become a zero-emissions logistics company, which requires electrifying every mode of transport the courier company utilizes.

John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express, spoke about the company’s plans to achieve zero emissions. He said the following:

“We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics. Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. 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.”

DHL is the first major parcel courier company carrier to invest in all-electric aircrafts. While the company waits until 2024 for the “Alice” aircraft fleet to get delivered, all eyes are on the other major carriers to see if and when they follow suit.