DHL eCommerce, a division of Deutsche Post DHL Group, has rolled out a fleet of electric vehicles in Malaysia and Vietnam in a bid to achieve the group's target of reducing all logistics-related emissions to net zero by 2050.

In line with this commitment DHL announced that it will operate 70 per cent of its own first and last mile services with clean pick-up and delivery solutions.

"In parallel with the continued growth in e-commerce, we expect a strong demand for deliveries and we recognise the need for sustainable delivery solutions," said DHL eCommerce managing director, Southeast Asia, Kiattichai Pitpreecha. "We are committed to steadily and consciously increasing our fleet of electric vehicles in our domestic delivery network."

The first fleet of electric vehicles are already in use and the plan is to increase the fleet gradually by sunsetting older vehicles and prioritising 'green and clean' approaches. Delivery hubs in Puchong and Cheras in Malaysia and Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi in Vietnam will be retrofitted with electric charging points with fast charging capabilities.

"Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are placing greater value on sustainable options when they shop," added the managing director.