Logistics provider GLS tests eScooters in Dortmund

The logistics provider GLS is testing a new means of delivering its services in a way that is carbon emission free. In the inner city of Dortmund, a new delivery vehicle called “eScooter” is now being used in real world tests. The vehicle is a tricycle offering 750 litre capacity and a velocity of up to 45 km/h – but uses only electric power to avoid noise and emissions of local air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

An advantage of the eScooter's being tested in Dortmund is that the vehicles do not require any parking space in the inner city, since the depot is just 3 kilometres away. This allows one or more return trips to the depot in order to take on board a new load. Thanks to the range of 100 km, any number of the short daily trips are possible without having to recharge. The eScooter is only charged during the night in the depot using a conventional household plug. GLS is now optimising the use of the eScooter in terms of stops and parcels to deliver. Martin Seidenberg, chairman of GLS Germany management, stated that “Environmentally friendly delivery options are becoming more and more important. The eScooter allows us to optimise last mile delivery and to diversify city-logistics”.

The eScooter test in Dortmund is not the only push in the direction of electric vehicle use. GLS is making use of a range of electric vehicles in its last mile deliveries. Depending on the location of the depot, the local geography and the load volume, electric vans, bicycles or scooters are being tested. The test phase investigates how the respective vehicle fits into the supply chain and the city logistics chain in question. Furthermore, similar vehicles are in use in other German cities such as in the neighbouring Unna.

Story first published by “openPR” on 2nd of May 2018.