DHL Supply Chain is starting trials of an EAV eCargo bike, which could transform the face of home deliveries. 

DHL said the EAV eCargo bike could transform the face of home deliveries

The trial will take place in Edinburgh and will use the eCargo bike to deliver items that do not require two-person services but still require special handling. It will make around seven to eight drops a day, carrying around four items at a time.

Edinburgh was chosen for its mixed terrain and size, which provide the ideal environment to test the bike, evaluating it for use on the last-mile fleet.

Manufactured by EAV, the eCargo bike has a load capacity of 2m3 and a range of around 40 miles on a single charge.

Specifically designed for urban environments, the EAV bikes are zero-emission and have been designed to be reliable, easy and cheap to operate.

Natalie Frow, vice president operations – home delivery at DHL Supply Chain, said: “With ambitious sustainability targets to hit, we’re always looking for new ways to structure the mix of our fleet to reduce overall emissions. The EAV eCargo bike has the potential to transform the way we make many home deliveries, not just in the urban environment but across the country, so we’re looking forward to seeing the results of the trial.”

It’s the latest work by DHL Supply Chain to adapt its fleet to meet changing eco and customer needs. Last year, it launched the UK’s first operational fully-electric 16-tonne truck, serving customers in London’s West End shopping district, supporting its supply chain customers, as well as reflecting DHL’s own Go Green agenda and target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

Leo Bethell, head of partnerships at EAV, said: “It’s pivotal for the logistics industry to adapt to the changing urban environment, by embracing transport that is clean, efficient and unsusceptible to congestion. DHL has the opportunity to positively disrupt legacy operational models, while hitting its sustainability targets, with our zero emissions, lightweight vehicles. We’re looking forward to demonstrating the value of the EAV 2Cubed in Edinburgh and hopefully developing our partnership with DHL.”