1 Van, 27 Countries: Intelligent Details Deliver Europe-Wide Benefits for DHL Express

DUNTON, UK - DHL Express is a longstanding Ford Pro partner and manages a fleet of approximately 15,000 DHL-operated and Service Partner-operated vehicles across more than 40 countries in Europe.

When the latest batch of electric E-Transit delivery vans was introduced in Croatia, it marked the 27th European country where DHL Express has deployed a tailored version of the Transit, specifically developed to meet the operational needs of its iconic yellow and red fleet.

This roll-out supports the electrification ambitions established through the strategic agreement between DHL Express and Ford Pro in 2022 and forms part of DHL Express' continued investment in sustainable logistics.

This year, DHL Express Europe will surpass 50 per cent electrification of its DHL-operated fleet, marking a significant milestone on the journey towards its target of 75 per cent by 2030. The continued deployment of standardised vehicle solutions across Europe demonstrates that DHL Express is well on track to achieve this ambition.

As Joshua Vogelpoel, Fleet Manager, DHL Express Euro, explains: “Our drivers are at the heart of everything we do. The combination of smart technology and practical vehicle design helps create a safer and more efficient working environment every day. I would like to thank the Ford Pro team for their partnership in developing these standards across Europe. Together, we continue to look for opportunities to improve and make every new generation of vehicles even better for our drivers.”

This joint approach was centred on creating a single, standardised delivery solution based on the E-Transit van that would help fleet managers make the smoothest transition to electric vehicles — and on long-distance routes where diesel vans represent the most effective solution, the same basic design could also be applied.

Developed through close collaboration between Ford Pro and DHL Express fleet experts, the solution is designed to meet operational needs across Europe, making it easier and more efficient to deploy and manage fleets consistently across multiple markets.

The complete solution features Ford’s latest digital conversions capability, working in combination with tailored modifications to the cabin and cargo space, to deliver a uniquely optimised van for DHL Express drivers and fleet managers — with the full conversion carried out directly at Ford’s manufacturing site so vehicles are delivered ready-for-work.

Ford used the Transit’s advanced Vehicle Integration System to deliver unique digital features designed to help ensure the safety and security of drivers and their cargo, taking signals from the van’s sensors to generate targeted messages or warnings.

For example, the system can provide digital safety and operational alerts based on vehicle and conversion data, helping drivers and fleet operators work more efficiently. Doing this digitally is far more efficient and reliable than adding the relays and switches that a previous-generation standalone system would’ve needed. It also simplifies future updates if operational requirements change.

The van’s physical conversion was developed in partnership with an approved Ford Pro convertor to meet DHL Express delivery requirements, with a common set of operational features on all vehicles such as shelving, flooring, a walk-through bulkhead door and a folding jump seat. To maximise efficiency, the same design can be used on electric E-Transit or EcoBlue diesel-powered Transit vans.

For optimum quality and efficiency, the physical and digital conversions are carried out at the same factory in Kocaeli, Türkiye where the donor vehicles are built. From an operating perspective, favourable maintenance and resale values enabled DHL Express to further optimise the total cost of ownership of its fleet.

As the latest fleet introductions in Croatia highlight, this joint project with DHL Express serves as a blueprint for how standardised, factory-converted electric vans can be rolled out efficiently into multiple markets while fully meeting local operational needs.

Chris Charles, Digital Solutions Manager in Ford Pro’s Special Vehicles conversions team, said: “While most people never think about how their parcels get delivered, whether you’re by the beach in Greece or in a Swedish forest, the work we’ve done with DHL Express means those parcels can reach you as effectively and efficiently as possible.”