DHL Express Korea Partners With Kia to Cooperate in the Development of DHL Optimized Electric Vechicles
Press Release: Seoul, South Korea, November 14, 2024
- Both parties will cooperate to develop DHL optimized platform-beyond vehicle models tailored to international express services, as well as related solutions (e.g., charging and software) and services
- The model will be introduced sequentially starting in 2026
- It will continue collaborating with Kia to achieve 100% transition of its pickup and delivery fleet to electric vehicles by 2030.
DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, has signed an Memorandum of Understanding with Kia, one of South Korea’s largest automakers, to cooperate in the development of DHL optimized platform-beyond vehicles (PBV) specially tailored to international express services at the Kia Building in Seoul.
Under the MOU, both companies will collaborate to develop the PBV models and software customized for DHL Express Korea’s logistics environment. The development of an optimized model tailored to DHL’s operations will significantly boost work productivity, while enhancing safety and convenience for delivery staff at the same time.
The parties will form a working group to discuss the development of a specialized model while collaborating on technology application, testing, and other areas. Production of the specialized PBV model is set to begin in 2026, with deliveries to follow in phases.
The partnership also demonstrates DHL’s commitment to transitioning to lower greenhouse gas emission pickup and delivery vehicles. Equally, this allows DHL to accelerate digital transformation and IT-driven logistics innovation.
JiHun (Michael) Han, Managing Director of DHL Express Korea, said, “The fully electric PBVs customized for DHL Express Korea will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions as we aim to protect the safety of our couriers, while providing more efficient and differentiated services to our customers. We will continue to find opportunities to tap on new technologies and advance in our journey to become the green logistics of choice.”
DHL Express Korea is at the forefront of adopting electric vehicles, in line with the DHL Group’s sustainability target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its logistics operations by 2050. Partnering with Kia is part of this initiative and aligns with the Group’s newly introduced fourth bottom line of becoming the “Green Logistics of Choice,” as outlined in the Group’s new ‘Strategy 2030 – Accelerate Sustainable Growth.’
DHL Express Korea began introducing small electric vehicles in 2018. It has since expanded its EV fleet annually, adding a total of 151 units for the last five years. With these additions, DHL Express Korea has replaced 30% of its fleet with electric vehicles. Furthermore, DHL Express Korea has continued its decarbonization efforts for sustainable growth by expanding green infrastructure, including EV charging facilities and carbon-neutral buildings.