Freight News, Logistics, Road

DHL Freight to Use Europe-built Electric Truck

[ August 3, 2026   //   Gary Burrows ]

DHL Freight will become the first operator of the European-built SuperPanther eTopas 600 electric heavy-duty truck, marking another step in the company’s effort to decarbonize its road freight fleet.

The first production vehicle rolled off the assembly line at Steyr Automotive’s plant in Austria and will be transferred to the Netherlands in August before entering commercial service in September.

The deployment follows a partnership launched in 2024 and operational trials conducted in Austria during 2025, where the truck operated on routes between Vienna and Wels. DHL said the tests demonstrated the vehicle’s suitability for everyday freight operations.

“The first eTopas 600 for DHL Freight turns our strategic partnership with SuperPanther into a tangible operational milestone,” said Antje Huber, senior vice president of strategy, marketing and staff at DHL Freight. “The planned deployment within the DHL Freight network is the next step in advancing low-emission road transport.”

Founded in 2022, China’s SuperPanther developed the eTopas 600 specifically for the European market in cooperation with Austria’s Steyr Automotive.

The battery-electric tractor is equipped with a 621-kWh CATL lithium iron phosphate battery, offers a range of up to 560 kilometers (348 miles), and supports charging at up to 660 kW. DHL said dual charging can replenish the battery from 20 percent to 80 percent in 38 minutes or less.

DHL Freight said it continues to evaluate multiple zero-emission vehicle technologies and now operates about 1,700 low-emission vehicles across its network. The investment supports DHL Group’s goal of achieving net-zero logistics-related emissions by 2050.

Tags: DHL Freight, Steyr Automotive