DHL first made a name for itself as a manufacturer of electric delivery vehicles with the "Streetscooter", developed in collaboration with StreetScooter GmbH and RWTH Aachen University. Now, the Bonn-based logistics company has hit the headlines with a large pre-order for vehicles from a global electromobility trendsetter. Hot on the heels of the launch of the new "Semi" eTruck by Tesla mastermind Elon Musk himself, DHL Supply Chain has placed an order for no less than ten of the innovative semi-trailer trucks. DHL plans to test their mileage efficiency and performance on longer runs once they are rolled out as expected in 2019. "At DHL Supply Chain, we're always thinking beyond today's shipment - whether that be tomorrow, next month or two years from now when these trucks become available," says Jim Monkmeyer at DHL Supply Chain North America.

At a gross weight of 40 metric tons, Tesla calculates that a "Semi" truck operating in realistic conditions requires less than 2 kilowatt hours, equating to a cost per mile of just $1.26. This represents a saving of some 25 US cents per mile over diesel trucks on the basis of current electricity and diesel prices. Two different battery sizes are planned, for ranges of 480 and 800 kilometers respectively. The model with the smaller battery will be available for $150,000, and the model with the larger battery for $180,000. A luxury Founders Series model is also anticipated for $200,000.

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