DP DHL, Ford-Werke to manufacture battery-electric delivery vehicles

In addition to the smaller StreetScooter van, Deutsche Post will partner with Ford-Werke to develop a larger Ford Transit-type vehicle with a battery-electric drive train and body construction based on DHL specifications.    Deutsche Post DHL Group subsidiary StreetScooter GmbH will manufacture battery-electric delivery vehicles in partnership with Ford-Werke starting in July 2017, according to a statement from the parcel carrier and third-party logistics provider.
   Deutsche Post first designed and produced the smaller, emission-free StreetScooter van, but now the partners are working on a larger vehicle type.
   The chassis of the Ford Transit provides the technical basis and will be equipped with a battery-electric drive train and fitted with a special body construction based on Deutsche Post and DHL Paket specifications, said Deutsche Post.
   The postal and parcel operator estimates at least 2,500 vehicles will support the urban delivery traffic of Deutsche Post DHL Group by 2018, making the joint project the “largest manufacturer of battery-electric medium-duty delivery vehicles in Europe.”
   “E-mobility and innovative traffic solutions for urban areas are key focuses for us as we transform our business to meet future challenges,” says Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president Europe, Middle East and Africa, Ford Motor Company. “As the leader in commercial vehicles in Europa, this partnership plays perfectly to our strengths and in StreetScooter and the Deutsche Post DHL Group we have a partner with enormous competence and a worldwide network.”
   Looking ahead, StreetScooter GmbH is planning to manufacture 20,000 units per year of its successful small electrical delivery van to bolster the current 2,500 already-manufactured, according to Deutsche Post DHL.