DHL Freight Deploys Europe-Built SuperPanther Electric Truck in Daily Operations

DHL Freight has begun running a battery-electric heavy truck from Chinese manufacturer SuperPanther in regular service across its Dutch network. The eTopas 600, assembled in Europe, has been operating on domestic routes and cross-border runs into Belgium since September 2026. Following encouraging early results, the logistics operator expects to add roughly 40 more electric trucks in the months ahead.

The vehicle covers about 2,000 kilometres per week, with no fixed shuttle or terminal assignment, and can travel up to 500 kilometres on a single charge. This flexible, open-ended setup is intended to test how heavy electric trucks perform within real-world logistics networks, including across national borders where charging infrastructure and route planning become more complex.

SuperPanther’s European production began in July 2026, building on a memorandum of understanding signed with DHL Group in September 2024 and a two-week spring trial in Austria that covered approximately 1,900 kilometres. The two companies have since signed a second MoU focused on autonomous driving, signalling a deepening partnership that extends beyond electrification.

Arjan van Weelden, Carrier and Sustainability Manager at DHL Freight, described the operational experience as positive so far. He noted that the truck meets the requirements of the planned deployment profiles and delivers high productivity within the network. Driver feedback has also been favourable, according to van Weelden, who added that customers are showing clear interest in transport solutions that lower greenhouse gas emissions.

He emphasised that reliable and flexible integration into daily operations is what matters most to DHL Freight. The company is sharing insights gained from the deployment with SuperPanther to help inform the practical development of future vehicle generations. For the Chinese manufacturer, having a Europe-built product in service with a major fleet operator like DHL provides a crucial foothold as it seeks to expand beyond its home market.