On August 3, 2021, the international courier, package delivery and express mail service provider DHL Express announced it ordered 12 all-electric cargo aircraft from the Seattle-based manufacturer Eviation.
In a statement, DHL said it was the first company to order 12 fully electric Alice eCargo planes from Eviation. Alice eCargo aircraft has a capability to carry 1,200 kilograms and a range of up to 815 kilometers. eCargo aircraft will require around 30 minutes to charge per flight hour. Adding to that, the electric cargo aircraft has the ability to be charged during loading and unloading operations, “ensuring quick turnaround times that maintain DHL Express’ tight schedules”.
“We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics,” said John Pearson, CEO of DHL Express. “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.”
Eviation expects to deliver the Alice electric cargo plane to DHL in 2024.
In July 2021, DHL signed a partnership with the Bulgarian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) manufacturer Dronamics for the development of same-day drone shipping services.