International express service leader DHL Express announced that it has added 22 electric vans (EVs) to its last mile pickup and delivery fleet.

The addition brings to nearly 70 the number of its EVs or 35 percent of its entire fleet, up from 24 percent last year.

Nigel Lockett, country manager of DHL Express Philippines, said Wednesday the development further aligns with DHL Express’ sustainability goals, which emphasize using alternative fuels, EVs and optimized transportation routes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).

“The expansion of electric vehicles into the DHL Express fleet plays an important role in reducing the environmental impact of our business processes as part of our commitment to one of our Group’s four bottom lines, green logistics of choice. Recognizing the global urgency of climate change, our goal as a logistics leader is to adapt our service offerings and operations to the changing landscape,” Lockett said.

DHL Express first introduced EVs to its fleet in the Philippines in December 2021.

The initiative is part of DHL Group’s global target of having 60 percent of its pickup and delivery fleet to be EVs by 2030.

As part of “Strategy 2030 — Accelerate Sustainable Growth,” DHL Group’s goal is to achieve net-zero GHG by 2050.

In addition to electrifying its fleet, DHL Express also launched the GoGreen Plus service in 2023 that allows customers to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with their international air cargo using sustainable aviation fuel.

GoGreen Plus is made possible by significant partnerships with sustainable energy company “bp,” climate change vanguard “Neste” and World Energy. Raffy Ayeng