18 January 2021 - The courier and logistics company DPD received seven fully electric Volkswagen e-Crafter vans which will be used to transport shipments in Tallinn and its vicinity. Electric vehicles are part of DPDgroup's initiative in which a total of 200 million euros will be invested into green projects.
Seven Volkswagen e-Crafter vans were handed over to DPD couriers at the Moller Auto Tallinn office. This is an important step in offering a more environmentally friendly courier service.
"The range of the van is 170 kilometres. We have previously tested and evaluated the e-Crafter model and the couriers are very satisfied with them," said Remo Kirss, CEO of DPD Estonia.
"DPD has been providing sustainable services through environmental projects since 2013 and the introduction of VW e-Crafters ensures an even smaller footprint and a cleaner urban environment and air. I believe that DPD's new electric vans will stand out in the cityscape, encouraging other transport companies to start or continue investing in environmental projects. The increase in customers' demand for sustainable solutions is gratifying," Kirss added.
Behind the daily routes of DPD couriers is a smart urban logistics system that ensures the fastest and most environmentally friendly route for deliveries.
"Optimal courier deliveries and new electric vans with modern technology add significant environmental savings. For the same purpose, we will also open a new DPD depot in the Järve area of Tallinn in the near future. With the increased volumes, it helps to be closer to the customers and decreases the kilometres that couriers have to travel," said Kirss.
Tarvi Hirv, CEO of Moller Auto Ülemiste, explained that the seven electric e-Crafter vans ordered by DPD is the largest commercial vehicle transaction of its kind in Estonia so far and hopefully it will also serve as a model for other large companies and especially courier companies.
"In order to justify the purchase of such a vehicle, the user must have big milage, but also there must be enough time to recharge and the company's worldview must be quite green. In the case of DPD, all these three aspects are covered admirably," said Hirv.
The purchase of electric vehicles is part of the DPDgroup's major initiative, in which the company is investing a total of 200 million euros to replace 7,700 vehicles in its fleet with more environmentally friendly ones by 2025. In Estonia, this means 33 new electric or gas vehicles. DPD is the first and currently the only courier company in Estonia that uses fully electric Volkswagen e-Crafter vans to transport shipments. The project is estimated to reduce DPD's CO2 emissions by up to 89%.
"We are constantly renewing our car fleet so that no DPD van is more than five years old. In this way, we minimize the environmental impact and increase the reliability of the courier service,” added Kirss.
DPD Estonia's fleet currently includes almost 250 vehicles.
To keep a smaller carbon footprint, DPD is funding a number of green energy production projects around the world, ranging from landfill gas collection and use in Brazil to wind farms in India.
About DPD Estonia
DPD Estonia is the market leader of national and international courier service, serving private and business customers with over 260 couriers and 230 vehicles and providing jobs for additional 171 persons. DPD Estonia has about 174 Pickup stations (parcel lockers).
www.dpd.com/ee/en/
