DHL Express will deliver packages sustainably with fully-electric aircraft

DHL Express, a world-leading express service provider, and Eviation, the global manufacturer of fully-electric aircraft, wrote aviation history on August 3 in announcing that DHL is the first to order 12 Alice eCargo all-electric planes from Eviation.

With this commitment, DHL aims to establish an “unparalleled electric Express network” and pave the way to a sustainable aviation future. Eviation’s Alice is the world’s leading all-electric aircraft, which allows airlines – both passenger and cargo – to operate a zero-emission fleet. Eviation expects to deliver the first order of the Alice electric aircraft to DHL Express in 2024.

John Pearson, the CEO of DHL Express, explained: We firmly believe in a future with zero-emission logistics. Therefore, our investments always follow the objective of improving our carbon footprint. On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of every transport mode plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall sustainability goal of zero emissions.

Eviation first unveiled its nine-seater all-electric passenger plane in 2019 at the Paris Air Show, which generated a lot of attention. The Alice aircraft boasted small-range routes of around 1,000 miles (1,600 km), a cruise speed of 240 knots (276 mph or 445 km/h), and a per-charge range of 650 miles (1,046 km).

When Eviation revealed an upgraded prototype earlier this year, those figures changed to 440 nautical miles (815 km) of range from an 820-kWh battery pack and a cruise speed of 220 Knots (253 mph or 407 km/h) from the three variable-pitch pusher propellers (one at the back, and one on each wing.)

In July, the production design was modified again, abandoning the V-tail setup and replacing it with two magni650 electric propulsion units from magniX at the rear. However, cruise speed and range remained the same. And it appears that this configuration will be the final one heading DHL’s way for the eCargo model.

This single-pilot aircraft will be capable of hauling up to 1,200 kg (2,600 lb) of cargo. The battery pack will get topped up while the plane is on the ground during loading and unloading operations, requiring 30 minutes or less per flight hour.

Travis Cobb, the EVP of Global Network Operations & Aviation at DHL Express, said: With Alice’s range and capacity, this is a fantastic sustainable solution for our global network and will be targeted for operations in the southeast and west coast of the United States.

We aspire to make a substantial contribution in reducing our carbon footprint, and these advancements in fleet and technology will go a long way in achieving further carbon reductions. For our customers and us, this is a very important step in our decarbonization journey and a step forward for the aviation industry as a whole.

With innovation, sustainability, and performance as its guide, Eviation is creating a new aviation era with its all-electric Alice aircraft. Alice is specifically designed so that it can be configured for e-cargo or passengers. Eviation’s Alice nine-seat all-electric passenger aircraft is on track for its first flight later this year.

The benefits of electric airplanes go beyond their apparent environmental impact. They would open up practical advantages too. Their lower fuel and maintenance costs (because of their simpler motors and drivetrain) could make fares significantly cheaper. Furthermore, they could handle the shorter trips and thus improve the efficiency of major airports. Such light and low-cost aircraft could also go places that never made sense for traditional planes to go, opening up new destinations and transport routes.

Some countries have incorporated electric aviation into their green agenda. Norway and Sweden, for example, have committed to 100% electric short-haul flights by 2040. Also, industry giants such as EasyJet and Airbus are working on their own electric aircraft. EasyJet is developing a battery-powered plane with a 500-km (310-mi) range, while Airbus plans to test its hybrid aircraft by 2022.

The DHL Group is aiming for zero-emissions operations by 2050. It plans to invest €7 billion (roughly US$8.3 billion) into its sustainability drive by 2030 to reduce its CO2 emissions. The funds will primarily electrify its last-mile delivery vehicles, use sustainable aviation fuels, and make climate-neutral buildings. intelligentliving.co