DHL Express and electric vehicle maker StreetScooter have collaborated on a new electric delivery vehicle with hydrogen technology.

The “H2 Panel Van” will be the first 4.25 tonne electric vehicle with an added hydrogen fuel cell, which will provide additional power and enable a range up to 500 kilometres.

DHL Express has ordered 100 of the fuel cell vehicles, with delivery expected from 2020 through to 2021.

“Openness to new technologies is key to our overall strategy, which is why we’re also supporting the use of this battery electric vehicle with additional fuel cell capability,” said Andreas Scheuer, Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI).

“If we want to promote alternative drive systems for climate-friendly delivery operations, then we need to make sure these new vehicles are priced competitively and capable of good range.”

“With the H2 Panel Van, DHL Express becomes the first express provider to use a larger number of electric vehicles with fuel cells for last-mile logistics. This underscores our aspiration to be not only the fastest and most reliable provider on the market, but also the most climate friendly,” said Markus Reckling, CEO DHL Express Germany.

“The H2 Panel Van is another example of how Deutsche Post DHL Group is working towards its zero-emission goal for 2050.”

For Fabian Schmitt, Chief Technical Officer at StreetScooter GmbH, the H2 has potential as a breakthrough solution, “We firmly believe that fuel cells will play an increasing role in electric-powered transport, since they can give battery electric vehicles the kind of range that is so important for so many customers.”