DPD UK says it’s on track to almost halve vehicle emissions after reaching new milestones for alternatively fuelled vehicles.

DPD is on track for 100 million parcels delivered on electric by the end of 2024

The parcel company, part of Geopost, has confirmed that it’s on target to deliver a 46% reduction in emissions by the end of 2024, from the 2020 baseline.

The benchmark follows the rollout of fully electric vehicles across a third of its final-mile van fleet, with an additional 350 EVs – in the form of 4.25-tonne Ford E-Transits – being deployed over the next few months, taking the EV fleet close to 4,000 strong.

Meanwhile, DPD UK’s new flagship London sortation centre in Bromley-By-Bow, Docklands, is getting up to speed after opening in November 2023 and is now consistently over 90% all-electric in terms of final mile, as part of DPD’s plan to deliver electric-only across London.

Across the UK, the delivery giant is now on track for 100 million parcels delivered on electric by the end of 2024.

In addition, 95% of DPD UK’s HGV fleet now runs on HVO (hydrogenated Vegetable Oil), which reduces emissions by 83% compared to traditional diesel.

As a result, DPD UK is on track to achieve a reduction in emissions of 46% by the end of the year, equating to a total reduction of 167,664 tCO2e since 2020.

As part of Geopost, DPD UK has a net zero target of 2040, which is fully validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). DPD UK has confirmed that the UK operation is on track with the trajectory required to meet the group target.

Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications & sustainability DPDgroup UK, said: “While our fully validated net zero target remains 2040, we are working hard to bring through as much change and innovation as possible right now and, as these figures show, we are on track with the trajectory required to meet the group target and are making a real difference already. There will be harder challenges down the line, we are well aware of that, but we will continue to work with the best in the sustainability space and invest in the innovation required to get to where we want to be.”

Olly Craughan, head of sustainability at DPDGroup UK, spoke at April’s Great British Fleet Event on the company’s work to deploy EVs. Part of the line-up for the Sustainability Masterclass session, Craughan discussed DPD’s Net Zero 2040 initiative to “decarbonise a fleet in the real world” and revealed tips for electric van deployment.

Latest van registrations figures from the SMMT show demand for electric LCVs fell 14.6% in July as fleets struggle with major EV deployment challenges. The trade body has said mandated targets for van-suitable charging infrastructure are needed fast, and stated that the Plug-in Van Grant must be maintained beyond April 2025 if more businesses are going to decarbonise.