The branded cars will be used for last-mile deliveries in the city centre, and were chosen because their battery offers enough range to cover a typical Moscow courier’s daily routes, even in poor weather conditions.

Joining a global fleet of 400 electric and 11,000 alternative fuel vehicles, DHL Express will charge the i-MiEVs at its own facilities. The two newcomers will help to cut the company’s CO2 emissions by 30% by 2020, compared to a 2007 baseline, as part of its GoGreen initiative.

Adrian Marley, DHL Express managing director in Russia, CIS and South East Europe, said: “Operating electric vehicles on our courier routes is more than just an experiment, it is a very important step towards implementing the newest technologies in our day-to-day business.

“We have tested these electric cars extensively and have come to the conclusion that, in many cases, they can replace conventionally fuelled vehicles on specific routes.”