PowerFlex, a national provider of intelligent solar, storage, and electric vehicle charging solutions for commercial customers, has joined forces with DHL Express – one of the world’s premier international express shipping services providers – to electrify DHL’s fleet and reduce emissions.
PowerFlex has installed 415 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) chargers at DHL service center facilities in major U.S. markets as part of their partnership. Each charger features Energy Management Software from PowerFlex called “PowrFlex X,” which monitors, tracks, and reports on charging activities, seamlessly integrating into DHL telematics platforms to optimize EVSE operations.
“DHL Express is always looking for ways to become more sustainable,” according to Laurice Bancroft, SVP of Network Operations for DHL Express U.S. “Electrification is one way we have implemented to reduce carbon emissions while working towards our zero-emissions goal. PowerFlex’s expertise helped us find creative solutions to meet our EV fleet charging requirements, and we look forward to expanding our EV fleet and providing safe deliveries at a reduced carbon footprint.”
PowerFlex completed its inaugural installation for DHL in 2020 and customized each subsequent EVSE project to optimize the charging experience around the daily delivery operations of DHL. Charging stations were installed overhead to be out of the vehicles’ way while remaining accessible for drivers to plug in at the end of each day. PowerFlex suggested DHL install Level 2 (L2) charging stations after reviewing each depot’s logistics needs, as these typically offer more reliability, economic benefits, and lower power usage compared to Level 3 DC Fast Chargers. Another advantage is their capacity to increase as needed or provide spare chargers if expansion is possible in future years.
PowerFlex L2 chargers from DHL come equipped with intelligent energy management software called Adaptive Load Management(r) (ALM), which helps balance power usage among chargers to help reduce expensive spikes in energy demand. By employing ALM, DHL could install double the number of chargers with similar power limits using unmanaged charging without straining their utility infrastructure. ALM also provides grid-friendly EV charging that helps avoid overtaxing existing electricity grids.
“DHL is taking an innovative approach to fuel its business needs and explore the possibilities presented by in-house EV charging,” explained Raphael Declercq, CEO of PowerFlex. “We are extremely proud to partner with DHL to facilitate their fleet electrification – PowerFlex understands the critical importance of ensuring last mile delivery vans remain fully charged to meet on-time deliveries while meeting DHL’s sustainability goals.”
DHL and PowerFlex’s partnership is an integral step forward for sustainability efforts. By working together, they are helping reduce emissions while creating a cleaner future in transportation.
PowerFlex and DHL are also working closely on other projects to support DHL’s electrification goals, such as developing an extensive EV charging strategy, conducting site assessments, and training employees about charging technology and fleet management.
“We are thrilled to continue working with DHL to support them in meeting their sustainability goals,” stated Declercq, adding, “This partnership serves as a model of how other businesses can work collaboratively to make an impactful statement about environmental responsibility.
PowerFlex and DHL have taken a significant step forward in combatting climate change by joining forces to make transportation cleaner and more eco-friendly.
