EV charging solutions provider PowerFlex has completed the installation of 415 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers across nine US sites for DHL Express, which will help the DHL Group meet its global target of running 60% of its delivery vehicles electrically by 2030.
The chargers, installed at DHL service centre facilities in major US markets, are equipped with PowerFlex X – energy management software that monitors, tracks, and reports on charging activities, integrating with DHL’s telematics platforms to optimize Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) operations.
“At DHL Express, we are always looking for ways to make our operations more sustainable,” said Laurice Bancroft, SVP of Network Operations for DHL Express US. “Fleet electrification is one of the many strategies we’ve deployed to reduce our carbon footprint as we work toward our goal of zero-emissions [by 2050].
“We selected PowerFlex to complete our EV charging stations because of their deep industry experience that helped us find a creative solution to meet our EV fleet charging needs. We look forward to scaling up our EV fleet and ensuring reliable, eco-friendly deliveries to our customers,” Bancroft added.
Customised chargers
PowerFlex completed the first installation with DHL in 2020 and customized the EVSE project and subsequent ones to optimize the charging experience around the daily delivery operations of DHL. The charging stations were installed overhead to keep them out of the vehicles’ path of travel yet remain accessible for drivers to plug in at the end of the day.
By reviewing the logistical needs of each fleet depot, PowerFlex recommended that DHL install Level 2 (L2) charging stations, which are typically more reliable, economically priced, and less power-intensive than Level 3 DC fast chargers. Another advantage of PowerFlex Level 2 chargers is the ability to increase the number of chargers onsite to enable future expansion or provide spare chargers as backup if necessary.
Mitigating energy spikes
PowerFlex L2 chargers are equipped with Adaptive Load Management (ALM) – intelligent energy management software that balances the power usage across the network of chargers to minimize expensive spikes in energy demand.
With ALM, DHL was able to install double the number of chargers in comparison to unmanaged charging with the same power limit and onsite utility infrastructure. Additionally, by mitigating spikes in energy demand, ALM is the grid-friendly EV charging technology that helps prevent overtaxing the existing electricity grid.
