DHL from vans to electric trucks: starting in the Netherlands with eTopas 600

DHL is achieving increasingly higher levels of fleet electrification, though at varying speeds across different countries. Trucks are primarily powered by batteries – France aims for 100% electrification by the end of the year – as are lightweight vehicles such as cargo bikes. At the same time, interest in electric trucks is growing, with trials and initial operational use already taking place on cross-border routes. Following a trial phase in Austria, where 1,900 kilometers were covered in two weeks, DHL Freight, the division responsible for road and rail freight transport in Europe, introduced the eTopas 600 in the Netherlands starting in September. This electric truck operates regularly on Dutch roads and travels as far as Belgium, marking a concrete step toward electrifying heavy-duty vehicles.

DHL Freight has 1,700 low-emission vehicles and is now focusing on trucks

This DHL division has long been investing in reducing emissions and operates 1,700 green vehicles. The company has moved the first European-produced SuperPanther eTopas 600 from test mode to regular commercial use. The routes are in the Netherlands, but since September, this battery-powered truck has been traveling to Belgium as well, covering about 2,000 kilometers per week. It serves both domestic routes and connections between the two countries. DHL emphasizes that the truck is not tied to a fixed shuttle service or a single terminal. It is part of a more ambitious project.

But let’s take a look at the vehicle’s specifications. DHL claims an range of up to 500 km per charge for the eTopas 600, with the truck equipped with a 621 kWh LFP CATL battery, a continuous power output of 394 kW, and peak power of up to 692 kW. Charging is done via two CCS2 connectors, providing a maximum combined power of 660 kW. Under optimal conditions, the battery can be charged from 20% to 80% in 38 minutes.

The commercial deployment is the result of a gradually expanding partnership between DHL Freight and SuperPanther, the Chinese manufacturer of the eTopas 600. In September 2024, the truck was tested under real operating conditions by DHL Freight in Austria. The vehicle then traveled approximately 1,900 kilometers during a two-week field test in the spring of 2026.

Electric trucks: “More than just green messaging, it’s about savings: 500,000 euros in 5 years”

This is a preview, as the first vehicle produced in Europe by the Chinese manufacturer was launched in July 2026. So far it has been at the testing stage, but now the eTopas 600 is in regular service on the Dutch network since September. The tests have gone well, and another step forward is planned: the new goal is autonomous driving. “At the IAA Transportation exhibition in Hannover, DHL Group and SuperPanther also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on autonomous driving. This will enable tests under real operational conditions to determine how to accelerate and implement autonomous driving in practice.”

The assessment is positive: “high productivity, 40 more vehicles on the way”

"Our experience with these vehicles in daily operations so far has been positive. The vehicle meets the requirements of the planned operational profiles and achieves high productivity within the network. Driver feedback has also been very positive, and we see clear interest from our clients in transportation solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Arjan van Weelden, Carrier & Sustainability Manager at DHL Freight. "It is crucial for us that the vehicle can be integrated reliably and flexibly into our daily operations. We are also sharing the insights we’ve gained with the manufacturer, thereby supporting the practical development of future generations of vehicles."

Heidi van Eldik, CEO of DHL Freight Netherlands and Belgium, emphasizes that “it’s not just the technology available that matters, but also its suitability for daily commercial use. With the SuperPanther and eTopas 600, we demonstrate how a battery-powered electric truck for heavy loads can be flexibly deployed in network operations. The experience gained from regular use provides an important foundation for integrating such solutions more broadly into our transportation networks in the future. Based on this experience, we plan to introduce around 40 electric vehicles into our fleet in the coming months alone.”

Netherlands Ideal for Decarbonizing Transportation

DHL Freight operates a total of around 1,700 low-emission vehicles and is testing various types of vehicles and propulsion systems. This approach is driven by continuous experimentation.

In the Netherlands, green transportation in cities is booming thanks to zero-emission zones

This growth is fueled by an optimal environment provided by the country’s extensive transportation network, which “offers excellent conditions for the flexible use of battery-powered electric trucks on various routes.” The situation is further enhanced by an expanding charging infrastructure and increasing customer demand for low-emission transportation solutions.” A company’s willingness alone is not enough without an ecosystem that ensures the necessary conditions for decarbonization.

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