German logistics company to pilot electric vans in 2018

19th April 2017 By: Irma Venter - Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

German logistics company to pilot electric vans in 2018

German logistics company Hermes and Mercedes-Benz Vans have agreed on a strategic partnership to electrify the courier service’s vehicle fleet.

Under this agreement, Hermes will use battery-electric vehicles in its normal operations in a pilot phase in Stuttgart and Hamburg, in Germany, in early 2018.

The focus will be on testing the economy, sustainability and practicality of emission-free vans when used for last mile deliveries.

By the end of 2020, Hermes Germany says it intends to deploy 1 500 Mercedes-Benz Vito and Sprinter electric vans in urban areas across Germany.

“Electric drive is a key technology for urban transport, especially in commercial use. Last-mile deliveries must become more efficient and, in specific applications, emission-free,” says Mercedes-Benz Vans head Volker Mornhinweg.

“Last year, we announced that we will put a Mercedes-Benz electric van into series production again. Our first one was in 2011. We are proud that we can announce that Hermes will be our first customer, and with a significant number of vehicles at that.

“This is a specific implementation of our plans for tailored industry solutions in cooperation with our customers. Hermes requires mid-size and large vans with electric drive for its applications. We can meet both needs.”

“Electric mobility plays a key role as part of our long-term strategy for climate and environmental protection,” adds Hermes Germany CEO Frank Rausch.

Hermes aims for emission-free deliveries in the inner-city areas of all major German cities by 2025.