DHL Express plans to curb fuel use, vehicular emissions and operating costs by harnessing the power of the sun. The company will install thin, flexible solar mats developed by TRAILAR on 67 medium- and heavy-duty trucks to power all on-board electrical equipment.

The roof-mounted solar mats are connected to a smart charge controller that regulates the transfer of energy from the alternator and solar devices to the battery. Sensors incorporated into a telematics system then monitor battery health and ancillary equipment charging, and calculate fuel use and carbon dioxide emissions reduction.

With continuous battery management via the smart charge controller, solar energy is used to maintain battery levels at optimum levels, even when the vehicle is not operating. The solar energy system is expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 1,000 kg per year for each vehicle and lower maintenance costs.

Solar mats will provide power to batteries and equipment on 67 delivery trucks. Source: DHL Express

“We’re aiming to improve the lives of people where they live and work, using cleaner pickup and delivery solutions — such as electric vehicles and cargo cycles, and now augmenting our truck fleet with this innovative solar solution,” said DHL Express U.S. CEO Greg Hewitt. “This is another strategic step in our drive forward to decarbonization, and over time reducing all logistics related emissions to net zero by 2050.”