TNT Express has introduced the first fully electric vehicle fleet in China with the initialnumber of five electric delivery vehicles further boosting the company’s efforts to reduce its
carbon emissions.TNT’s CEO Peter Bakker unveiled the first electric vehicle at the Responsible Transport Forum atthe Dutch Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo, together with government officials such as CamielEurlings, Dutch Minister of Transport.
“TNT is committed to sustainable development of our industry across the globe. I am very proudthat TNT is taking actions to lead the introduction of zero-emission delivery vehicles in China,”Bakker said. “With China being one of our most important markets, today’s electric delivery vehiclelaunch is a meaningful step towards our commitment to a sustainable future.”
“TNT’s global objective is to improve its CO2 efficiency by 45% by 2020. As a company vision,TNT aims to contribute to a low carbon emission express industry through our daily operations,” headded.
Designed to meet the distinct operational requirements of the express industry, thesezero-emissions vehicles are powered by lithium batteries and feature high-tech monitoring systemsthat record power consumption data during operation, allowing for continuous optimisation ofdelivery routes. The vehicles require only two-and-a-half hours to be fully charged and can travelmore than 120 kilometres on a full charge.
Produced by Dongfeng Motor, one of China’s leading automobile manufacturers, TNT’s Chineseelectric vehicle fleet is locally designed, manufactured and assembled. After a successfulthree-month trial operation, the electric delivery fleet is now fully operational in Shanghai, TNTsaid in a statement.
“Dongfeng is one of the earliest auto companies to invest in R&D for new energy vehicles inChina. We have also been a strong industry advocate for the development of electric vehicles inpromoting low carbon transport,” said Xu Ping, President of Dongfeng Motor.
“New energy vehicles are the future – and are central to our core strategy to foster a moresustainable transportation industry. Dongfeng is strongly committed to leading the sector inpromoting the wide scale adoption of new energy vehicles. Therefore we are truly honoured to behere today, with TNT, united in our vision for a low carbon future,” Ping added.
In conjunction with the electric delivery fleet launch, TNT also organised a ResponsibleTransport Forum at the Dutch Pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo. This forum provided a platformfor participants to discuss the challenges of rising CO2 emissions and issues around road safetyand share best practices with the aim to reach industry and government goals. Supported by both theShanghai government and the Dutch Ministry of Transport, the forum attracted nearly 100participants and noted industry experts, academics and environmental advocates.
