From pilot to daily operations: DHL Freight deploys first Europe-built SuperPanther eTopas 600 in its Dutch network
DHL Freight has reached another milestone in sustainable road transportation by introducing its first European-built SuperPanther eTopas 600 electric truck into regular commercial operations in the Netherlands.
Operating since September 2026, the fully electric heavy-duty truck handles domestic freight transport across the Netherlands and international deliveries to Belgium, demonstrating the growing potential of electric vehicles in European logistics networks.
Electric Truck Performance and Capabilities
The SuperPanther eTopas 600 offers an operational range of up to 500 kilometers per charge and currently covers approximately 2,000 kilometers per week. Equipped with a 621 kWh battery, the vehicle supports high-power charging, allowing its battery to recharge from 20% to 80% in approximately 38 minutes under suitable conditions.
Unlike electric trucks assigned to fixed routes, the eTopas 600 operates flexibly across DHL Freight's network, providing valuable insights into the practical integration of electric heavy-duty vehicles into everyday freight operations.
Expanding Sustainable Road Transport
The deployment follows successful trials in Austria, where the vehicle covered approximately 1,900 kilometers over two weeks, demonstrating promising operational efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with conventional diesel trucks.
Building on these results, DHL Freight plans to introduce approximately 40 additional electric trucks over the coming months.
With around 1,700 lower-emission vehicles already operating across its network, DHL Freight continues to invest in alternative propulsion technologies, supporting DHL Group's long-term ambition to achieve net-zero logistics-related emissions by 2050.
Image source: dhl.com
