DPD issues whitepaper urging action on electric vehicles

Dwain McDonald, CEO at parcels carrier DPD, has called on vehicle manufacturers, energy providers, national and local government to start working together to reduce emissions and congestion.

This follows the launch of a whitepaper, featuring an eight-point plan to accelerate the pace of change, including manufacturers making more right-hand drive electric vehicles available in the UK and consistency across clean air, ULEV [Ultra Low Emission Vehicles], and zero emission zone standards. It also puts the case for new regulation to ensure the safe and responsible operation of e-Cargo bikes.

Asos

In September, DPD signed a new contract with Asos which will see it supply delivery services to the pureplay’s customers across the UK until at least September 2024.

The two have worked together for over ten years, with many of DPD’s services such as Follow My Parcel, Precise and its real-time, in-flight delivery options, informed by and often trialled first with Asos.

The new contract includes a provision for at least 50% of deliveries within the London Ultra Low Emission Zone to be served by electric vehicles only. DPD opened the UK's first all-electric parcel depot in Westminster last October and is investing in a network of all-electric micro depots across the capital. It expects to have almost 600 electric vehicles on the road by 2021.