- Production of first prototypes meets expectations
- 50 pilot vehicles to be tested in 2013
Bonn, 10/30/2012, 10:00 AM CET – Extend cooperation: Uwe Brinks (Chief Production Officer Deutsche Post DHL) and Prof. Dr. Achim Kampker, (General Manager at StreetScooter GmbH).
After a one-year development phase, the first Streetscooter prototype has met Deutsche Post’s expectations in terms of features loading capacity and safety standards. Deutsche Post, Streetscooter GmbH and institutes of the RWTH Aachen University have developed an innovative electric car specifically designed for mail and parcel delivery in a one-year development phase to test the vehicle in day-to-day operations and with regard to efficiency and environmental impact, the partners are now moving the project into the next phase: throughout 2013, a total of 50 pilot vehicles will be put into Deutsche Post operations at a number of delivery depots around Germany. The first vehicles are expected in July 2013. If this practice run is a success, the first vehicle series could follow.
Economical and low-emission vehicles
“We operate one of the largest vehicle fleets in Germany, which is why we have a particular interest in economical and low-emission vehicles,” said Jürgen Gerdes, Corporate Board Member for MAIL at Deutsche Post DHL. “We’ve found competent partners in RWTH Aachen University and StreetScooter GmbH, and developed an environmentally friendly and economical electric vehicle. We’re confident that this vehicle will pass the test in our day-to-day operations.
“Streetscooter is a car that companies will be able to count on and achieve economically sustainable figures,” said Dr. Achim Kampker, Chair for Production Management at RWTH Aachen University and General Manager at StreetScooter GmbH.
Deutsche Post prototype for mail and parcel delivery
The body of the over 4.6-meter-long vehicle provides sufficient cargo capacity for mail and parcels.
The Deutsche Post prototype for mail and parcel delivery must be able to handle 200 stops and starts and be in service up to 300 days a year. The body of the over 4.6-meter-long vehicle provides sufficient cargo capacity for mail and parcels as well as a robust construction that meets all safety standards.
Conceived specifically for Deutsche Post, the vehicle can reach speeds of up to 85 km/h and is designed primarily for deliveries in rural areas. The vehicle features a 30/45 kW induction motor powered by a lithium-ion battery and a maximum range of 120 kilometers.
Deutsche Post DHL is a forerunner in the use of alternative drive technologies and actively promotes research and use in projects with various automobile manufacturers. Today the world’s leading mail and logistics group has over 4,000 vehicles on the streets with electric and hybrid powertrains, alternative fuels and modifications to engine electronics and aerodynamics.
Modernization of transport fleet
As the first global logistics service provider, Deutsche Post DHL has also set a specific climate protection goal for the company. By 2020 the GoGreen environmental protection program aims to increase the company’s carbon efficiency by 30% compared to the base year of 2007. The methods to achieve that goal include the efficient management of traffic systems, modernization of transport fleet and the use of renewable energy sources.
StreetScooter GmbH is a spin-off of the RWTH Aachen University and is made up of a consortium of around 80 companies from the automotive and related industries. The company’s goal is to research, develop and manufacture sustainable vehicles of the future. It was founded in 2009.
