KANSAS CITY, Kan. — DHL Supply Chain (DHL) and Orange EV have announced the ownership and operation of 50 electric yard trucks.
Orange EV manufactures heavy-duty electric trucks, with more than 1,000 trucks deployed across 36 states, according to a news release.
DHL estimates that operating 50 electric yard trucks in lieu of diesel eliminates more than 2,500 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, which creates a healthier environment for drivers, site personnel and surrounding communities.
Orange EV trucks average more than 98% uptime compared to 70-80% uptime for diesel, increasing operational efficiency. Any additional benefits range from reduced fuel, maintenance and repair costs to increased driver safety and satisfaction.
Eight years after the first Orange EV truck was deployed commercially into the trucking industry as the first heavy-duty electric truck commercially deployed.
“We deeply appreciate our partnership with DHL Supply Chain, now spanning eight years and 50 trucks. When DHL Supply Chain leaned in to purchase Orange EV’s very first electric yard truck, they single-handedly advanced the heavy-duty EV industry,” said Wayne Mathisen, CEO and co-founder of Orange EV. “Hundreds of other companies have now also made the move to electric since DHL has proven through years of testing and data that EV yard trucks save money and improve operations while eliminating emissions.”
DHL was Orange EV’s first customer in October 2015 and re-ordered the following year. Now, Orange EV trucks are deployed to over 30 DHL supply chain sites nationwide.
The company has also committed to phasing out diesel yard trucks by 2025 and reducing its logistics-related greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
“We cannot ignore the impact our operations have on the environment as a logistics company, and therefore, we are committed to implementing more sustainable approaches to doing business,” said Stephan Schablinski, vice president of GoGreen, DHL Supply Chain. “Through partnerships with companies like Orange EV we have been able to develop innovative solutions that reimagine the industry of logistics and take us closer to a green future.”
Orange EV provides a turnkey yard truck solution with a matched-pair truck and charging system, built to meet site specifications. With three battery pack sizes, multiple charging speed options, and dozens of other configurable elements, fleets can obtain the optimal electric yard truck solution that fits within existing electrical infrastructure.
“DHL Supply Chain’s first two Orange EV orders are a great example of how we work together to right-size a fleet’s EV projects to economically meet site specifications and rigorous duty cycles,” said Kurt Neutgens, Orange EV co-founder, president and CTO. “DHL Supply Chain first purchased an Extended Duty truck and charger, then later added a Standard Duty truck that utilized the existing charger. The site had plenty of capacity for Orange EV’s low-voltage trucks, and DHL’s well-trained, committed team maximized opportunity charging to keep both trucks running at peak efficiency.”
Another company by the name of Diageo was the first customer of DHL Supply Chain to receive EV yard trucks in operation at their warehouse facilities. The trucks have individually accumulated more than 24,000 and 17,000 hours of usage while still using their originally installed battery packs.
“Eight years ago we were excited to bring electric yard trucks into our Plainfield bottling site. This was possible thanks to our partnership with DHL Supply Chain, and we are proud to share the goal to create a sustainable, low-carbon future,” said Lucy Fishwick, vice president of Logistics at Diageo North America. “This is a great example of collaboration with our suppliers prioritizing new technologies and electric vehicles that have contributed in our efforts to decarbonize our operations.”
Those first trucks are still in regular operation and have lasted longer than many diesel yard trucks, which are often used for just five years or 15,000 hours before maintenance and repair costs become prohibitively expensive, the news release noted.
In its deployed fleet, Orange EV currently has 35 trucks exceeding 15,000 hours of operation — 14 of which have surpassed 20,000 hours — with many more that will cross those thresholds soon.
DHL Supply Chain plans to double its current electric yard truck fleet, ultimately deploying 100 Orange EV emission-free trucks.
Born and raised in Little Rock, AR, Erica N. Guy decided to stay in her hometown to begin her professional career in journalism. Since obtaining her bachelor’s degree from UAPB, Erica has professionally written for several publications about several topics ranging from lifestyle, tech, culture, and entertainment, just to name a few. Continuing her love for her hometown, she joined our team in June 2023, where she is currently a staff writer. Her career goals include continuing storytelling through her writing by being the best professional writer she can be. In her spare time, Erica enjoys trying new foods, cozying up with a good book, spending time with family and friends, and establishing herself as a future businesswoman.
