DHL fuels F1 net zero drive with biofuel truck fleet

DHL and Formula 1 are taking sustainable logistics to a new level, with a new fleet of trucks running on biofuel. 

The 18 new trucks, fuelled by vegetable oil, will deliver at all European Formula 1 races by 2023. The move is part of Formula 1’s drive to become net zero by 2030. 

Each truck can reduce carbon emissions by a minimum of 60%  when compared to standard fuels, with great potential for higher savings, says DHL.

The company adds that the new trucks reduce carbon emissions while maintaining the same level of performance, in terms of load capacity and travel distance as their diesel counterparts. 

And it says the handling of biofuel is safer than bunkering diesel from an environmental and security perspective. 

This season, the DHL Motorsport Team will cover around 150,000km, transporting up to 1,400 tons of freight per race. In addition to the race cars, tyres, spare parts, and fuel, broadcasting and hospitality equipment are also transported to the desired destination. 

F1 partnership 'showcases DHL net zero drive'

“Our partnership with Formula 1 also showcases our shared dedication to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint,” says Arjan Sissing, Head of Global Brand Marketing at Deutsche Post DHL Group. “The 18 trucks further contribute to a lower-emission DHL fleet. We’re showing fans and customers that it is possible to bring the excitement of Formula 1 races around the world in a sustainable way.”

Paul Fowler, Head of DHL Motorsports Logistics says: “Each truck can transport up to 40 tons and travel up to 3,500km per 1,000 litre tank. 

“For the European F1 leg the trucks run entirely on a second-generation biofuel.

“We are a sport that operates on a global scale, and DHL plays a critical role in delivering the races and helping us address the logistical impact we have as a World Championship” says Ellen Jones, Head of ESG at Formula 1. 

She adds: “It’s wonderful to see partners like DHL share the same drive and commitment to creating a more sustainable Formula 1.”

Other DHL sustainability initiatives include testing more-advanced technologies, leveraging multimodal transport solutions – including overland and ocean freight – and using more Boeing 777 aircraft, which reduce carbon emissions by 18% compared to the traditional 747. 

DHL also equips all its trucks with GPS to monitor fuel consumption and optimise routes.