Deutsche Post has developed a new electric car to be used for mail and parcel delivery incooperation with the University of Aachen in Germany and the company StreetScooter after a one-year
development phase.The first ‘Streetscooter’ prototype has met Deutsche Post’s expectations in terms of equipment,loading capacity and safety standards. To test the vehicle in day-to-day operations and with regardto efficiency and environmental impact, 50 pilot vehicles will be deployed at different deliverydepots of Deutsche Post across Germany in the course of the next year. The first vehicles will beput into operation from July 2013 onwards. If the trial phase turns out to be a success, the firstseries of vehicles are expected to follow.
The electric vehicle is designed to handle up to 200 stops and start-up procedures and to bedeployed up to 300 days a year. The body of the 4.6-metre-long vehicle provides sufficient cargocapacity for mail and parcels, and its ’robust construction’ meets all safety standards.
Jürgen Gerdes, head of Deutsche Post DHL’s mail and parcel division, commented: “We operate oneof the largest vehicle fleets in Germany, which is why we have a particular interest in economicaland low-emission vehicles. We’ve found competent partners in Aachen University and StreetScooterand developed an environmentally friendly and economical electric vehicle. We’re confident thatthis vehicle will pass the test in our day-to-day operations.
Especially designed for Deutsche Post, the vehicle can reach the speed of up to 85 km/h and isdesigned primarily for deliveries in rural areas. It features a 30 kW induction motor powered by alithium-ion battery. The maximum cruising range is 120 km.
StreetScooter is a spin-off company of the Aachen University and a consortium of around 80companies of the automobile industry and related industries. Founded in 2009, the company has setitself the goal to research, develop and manufacture sustainable vehicles of the future.
The joint project is part of Deutsche Post DHL’s group-wide environmental programme GoGreen,which aims to increase the company’s carbon efficiency by 30% by 2020 compared to the base year of2007. One of its important elements is testing and deploying vehicles with alternative drivesystem.
Deutsche Post DHL has over 4,000 vehicles deployed on the streets that use electric and hybridpower, alternative fuels and modifications to engine electronics and aerodynamics.
