DHL Express has ordered 12 fully electric cargo planes with the aim of creating an electric express network and taking “a pioneering step towards a sustainable aviation future”.

The planes are Alice eCargo planes from Seattle-based manufacturer Eviation and will have a capacity of 1.2 tonnes and a range of 815 km (440 nautical miles).

They are expected to enter the DHL Express fleet in 2024 and can be flown by a single pilot.

“We strongly believe in a future with zero emissions logistics,” said John Pearson, Managing Director of DHL Express. “Therefore, our investments always follow the goal of improving our carbon footprint.

“On our way to clean logistics operations, the electrification of each mode of transport plays a crucial role and will significantly contribute to our overall goal of zero emissions sustainability. “

Eviation Managing Director Omer Bar-Yohay added: “Partnering with companies like DHL, which are leaders in sustainable electronic freight transport, is a testament to the fact that the electric age is upon us. This announcement is an important step in our quest to transform the future of flying around the world. “

The aircraft requires 30 minutes or less to recharge per flight hour and will operate in all environments currently served by piston and turbine aircraft.

Alice’s electric motors have fewer moving parts to increase reliability and reduce maintenance costs, DHL Express said.

“The next time you order an on-demand package, check to see if it came with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will,” said Eviation Executive Chairman Roei Ganzarski.

“With on-demand purchases and deliveries steadily increasing, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet, low-cost operation that will open greater opportunities for more communities. “

As part of its new sustainability roadmap, Deutsche Post Group (DP) DHL invest 7 billion euros in green technologies, like sustainable aviation fuel, to help it further reduce its CO2 emissions over the next ten years.

DP DHL has also set a target of achieving zero net emissions by 2050.

DHL is not the first of the express giants to announce an order for electric planes.

In April, UPS announced that it buy up to 150 Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) of Beta Technologies to increase its air service for certain small and medium-sized markets.

The first ten planes are expected to start arriving in 2024.

UPS said the 635kg-capacity aircraft is suitable for urgent deliveries that would otherwise fly on small, fixed-wing aircraft.