The race to electrify transport is heating up, and Royal Mail is making a bold move! With a massive fleet of 7,000 vehicles, they've already made a significant electric impact. But now, they're taking on a new challenge: heavy-duty electric trucks.
Since its initial electric fleet launch in 2017, Royal Mail has been on a mission. And in late 2023, the world got a glimpse of its next step. DAF Trucks revealed that several major fleet operators, including Royal Mail, would soon adopt their electric truck models as part of a groundbreaking program.
And Royal Mail has delivered on that promise. They've just introduced eight fully electric trucks, specifically the 42-tonne XD Electric 350E variant, to parcel hubs in Daventry and Warrington. This is a significant step forward, especially considering DAF's recent announcement of the new XD and XF series production. Louis Jones from DAF Trucks confirmed the vehicles were custom-built for Royal Mail.
Here's where it gets technical: the XD 350E boasts a powerful Paccar EX-D2 drivetrain, offering 350 kW of output. But the battery options are what make this truck versatile. Royal Mail can choose between a 420 kWh or 525 kWh battery pack, and charging configurations vary from 150 kW to a whopping 325 kW. But which option did they choose? That's the mystery.
The charging setup provides a hint. Royal Mail is using ABB's Terra 360 charger, capable of delivering up to 360 kW. This suggests they might have opted for the higher-power configuration. And the photos reveal a single-cable charging station, indicating a dedicated setup for each truck. Royal Mail claims each vehicle can gain 60 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
But here's where it gets controversial. The charging infrastructure is part of Gridserve's 'Electric Freightway' project, a £100 million initiative funded partly by the UK government. The project aims to install 200 charging stations with 350 kW capacity, creating a cutting-edge public charging network. Gridserve's Sam Clarke highlights the collaboration, but the funding details are intriguing.
The 'Electric Freightway' is just one part of the larger ZEHID program, funded with up to £200 million by the UK government. This program aims to introduce 300 heavy-duty electric and fuel cell trucks and support over 70 infrastructure facilities. Yet, Royal Mail remains tight-lipped about its investment and funding.
Nick Dunn, Royal Mail's director, emphasizes the project's importance in their net-zero emissions goal. But the question remains: how much is Royal Mail investing in this electric future? And what does this mean for the industry? Share your thoughts in the comments!
