Dutch postal service plans network of electric truck charging stations

Dutch postal and parcel service PostNL plans to establish a nationwide network of charging stations for electric trucks. These stations will be located near sorting centers in various regions of the Netherlands. Initially, PostNL will use them to charge its own electric trucks, but later, the charging hubs will also be open to other transport companies.

Postnl will e lkw ladeparks bauen — Image: PostNL

Like many other organisations, PostNL is working to electrify its truck fleet in the coming years. However, PostNL did not begin its electromobility journey recently; as early as 2020, it deployed six Fuso eCanter vehicles for urban distribution operations. The new initiative, however, also focuses on longer routes and heavy-duty transport.

Following successful tests at the PostNL sorting centre in Nieuwegein, the company is now rolling out charging infrastructure for heavy-duty transport in phases across various regions. Initially, the goal is to charge its own electric trucks, with charging hubs planned near its regional sorting centres. Later, the charging stations will also be made available to other transport companies. Through this, PostNL aims to transition from being a user to a pioneer of zero-emission logistics, making electric heavy-duty transport accessible to the entire industry.

“PostNL is part of Dutch society,” says Pim Berendsen, CEO of PostNL. “With these charging hubs, we are investing in the energy infrastructure of tomorrow. We are doing this together with municipalities and partners for and throughout the country, and are thus the catalyst for further growth of emission-free logistics in the Netherlands.”

In developing the charging hubs, PostNL plans to collaborate closely with strategic public and private partners, including municipalities, grid operators, and logistics partners. This collaboration aims to ensure sufficient charging capacity is available for the growing number of electric trucks. Additionally, the company intends to participate in an investment fund to explore new opportunities for developing shared charging solutions for heavy-duty transport.

By 2030, PostNL aims to reduce emissions in its own operations by 90% and by 45% across its entire supply chain, targeting net-zero by 2040. The new e-truck charging stations are set to accelerate this strategy. Over the summer, PostNL reported that it already delivers fully emission-free in 27 Dutch city centres, significantly exceeding the 14 cities where this is now legally required.

postnl.nl