According to British media, 14 sites in the UK have already been upgraded, with another 16 sites planned for 2025. That will include “strategic hub locations” in Edinburgh, Leeds, Glasgow, Liverpool and Middleton.
“BP Pulse is delighted to be supporting DPD in its transition to electric vehicles,” said Valerio Ferro, General Manager, BP Pulse UK. “We’re creating a blueprint for large-scale fleet electric charging solutions. This agreement demonstrates BP Pulse’s ability to deliver full-service charging solutions that keep businesses moving efficiently and effectively.”
DPD and BP Pulse have worked together in the past. In the UK, DPD drivers have preferential charging rates at the CPO’s fast-charging network. On top of the infrastructure deal, the CEP provider is also looking at integrated digital solutions with BP Pulse to manage the EV fleet.
DPD has electrified nearly 35 per cent of its delivery fleet in the UK. That is almost 4,000 electric vans. The company announced in August that it had reached the milestone, saying that it would be able to lower emissions by 46 per cent by the end of the year compared to 2020. The goal remains to be net zero by 2040.
“At DPD we are committed to our net zero journey and the transition of our fleet to all-electric vehicles has been a top priority for a number of years,” emphasised Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications & sustainability at DPD Group UK. “To reach our targets we plan to continue to invest in EVs and new innovation, but also to partner with the very best in the sector to learn and develop new solutions at a more rapid pace.”
However, DPD UK still uses Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil – in other words, biofuels. It says that 95 per cent of its transport fleet is running on HVO, “which reduces emissions by 83% compared to traditional diesel.” In other countries like Switzerland, it already uses electric trucks or transports parcels via an electrified railroad route. Globally, the parcel company wants to be net zero by 2040.
According to DPD, it operates more than 10,000 vehicles and 85 locations in the UK. And it delivers over 400 million parcels per year there. According to its sustainability website, it has already made 77.216.876 electric deliveries this year.