Royal Mail has put eight electric HGVs into its Midlands and North West parcel hubs, replacing diesel trucks and cutting roughly 1,000 tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
The DAF 42-tonne XD 350E electric HGVs will handle mid-mile deliveries between parcel hubs and mail centres, with each vehicle ‘reenergised’ by ABB’s T360 chargers, which can add up to 60 miles of range in under 15 minutes.
The Royal Mail has installed high-speed chargers at its two parcel hubs in Daventry and Warrington, which has made it possible to introduce eHGVs. The company plan to reach net zero by 2040, and already runs more than 7,000 vans charged on-site using 100% renewable electricity.
Royal Mail national distribution and fleet director Nick Dunn said: “Introducing electric HGVs into our network is a major milestone in decarbonising our operations and achieving our net zero target.
“This is an important first step in learning how we can efficiently integrate eHGVs into our operations across the country. We’re combining cutting-edge vehicle technology with high-speed charging infrastructure, made possible by Electric Freightway, which will transform how we deliver across long distances.”
Royal Mail is a member of Electric Freightway, which is led by Gridserve and backed by over £100m in investment, including £62.7m of UK government support.
Sam Clarke, Gridserve commercial lead, added: “These locations are critical infrastructure that enable the decarbonisation of freight transport across the UK.
“These sites strengthen charging in both regions as well as reduce carbon emissions by supporting the replacement of diesel trucks with eHGVs.
DAF Trucks EV and connected services director Louis Jones said: “This deployment marks an important step in scaling zero-emission logistics across the UK. The initiative follows the recognition of our XD and XF Electric range being named International Truck of the Year 2026, underscoring the strength of DAF’s technology and engineering leadership.
“Delivered to Royal Mail’s bespoke specification and built on our latest New Generation cab and platform, these vehicles set a new benchmark for operational capability and sustainability. We’re eager to see them enter service and to continue supporting Royal Mail on its wider decarbonisation journey.”
