Royal Mail adds new DAF electric trucks to its fleet

• UK delivery service Royal Mail has introduced the first permanent electric trucks to its logistical fleet, as the company works towards its 2040 net zero target.
• Eight DAF XD 350E models, with a 42-tonne gross combination weight, will now be in operation at its Midlands and North West parcel hubs, helping to transport packages between parcel hubs and mail centres with zero-emissions from the tailpipe.
• The new electric trucks are yet another expansion to Royal Mail’s significant EV fleet, which already includes over 7,000 fully-electric delivery vans.

Electric trucks join Royal Mail fleet permanently for the first time

Back in the spring, Royal Mail introduced its first electric truck on a trial basis back in the spring, which looked to gauge the practicalities of a more widespread eHGV rollout. Clearly, that trial has been a success, with Royal Mail now rolling out these eight DAF eHGVs on a permanent basis.

These new electric trucks are being complemented with ABB T360 EV chargers, which will help these new trucks recharge at the depot at speeds of up to 360kW. This is enough to add 60 miles of range in under 15 minutes. These eight trucks alone will help save around one thousand tonnes worth of carbon-related emissions every year, and will also carry lower running costs than their diesel predecessors – another reason why Royal Mail is making the switch to electric.

This rollout has partly been made possible by Royal Mail’s membership within the Electric Freightway. This industry consortium, led by GRIDSERVE, is backed by over £100 million in investment including government investment, and looks to accelerate the rollout of public eHGV charging.

Royal Mail’s initial move here sets a precedent for other HGV operators to follow, and also comes after Amazon committed to rolling out a significant 160 electric trucks across its UK logistics operations.

Nick Dunn, National Distribution & Fleet Director at Royal Mail, commented:

“Introducing electric HGVs into our network is a major milestone in decarbonising our operations and achieving our Net-Zero target. This is an important first step in learning how we can efficiently integrate eHGVs into our operations across the country. We’re combining cutting-edge vehicle technology with high-speed charging infrastructure, made possible by Electric Freightway, which will transform how we deliver across long distances.”

Sam Clarke, Commercial Lead at GRIDSERVE, added:

“We are pleased to see Royal Mail join other GRIDSERVE Electric Freightway consortium members in developing a strong network of eHGV charging depots. These locations are critical infrastructure that enable the decarbonisation of freight transport across the UK. These sites at the Midlands and North West Parcel Hubs strengthen charging in both regions as well as reduce carbon emissions by supporting the replacement of diesel trucks with eHGVs. As a member of the Electric Freightway consortium, Royal Mail is working together with industry leaders to create a cohesive charging network, including both depot and public charging sites, that accelerates transport electrification.”

Louis Jones, EV & Connected Services Director and DAF Trucks, said:

“We’re proud to support Royal Mail with the introduction of eight fully electric XD Electric 350 vehicles through the Electric Freightway ZEHID Programme. This deployment marks an important step in scaling zero-emission logistics across the UK. The initiative follows the recognition of our XD and XF Electric range being named International Truck of the Year 2026, underscoring the strength of DAF’s technology and engineering leadership. Delivered to Royal Mail’s bespoke specification and built on our latest New Generation cab and platform, these vehicles set a new benchmark for operational capability and sustainability. We’re eager to see them enter service and to continue supporting Royal Mail on its wider decarbonisation journey.”