DHL Supply Chain Thailand deploys electric trucks for grocery chain Big C product distribution

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Big C Supercenter and DHL Supply Chain Thailand, its contract logistics partner, have announced the deployment of two electric trucks for product distribution from the Big C Wangnoi Distribution Center to Big C branches in Bangkok as an initial stage. DHL currently delivers Big C products to over 1,800 stores in Thailand. In the near future, other types of electric trucks will be considered for the fleet to transport Big C products to stores in various locations.

The trucks, procured from Thai EV, can travel up to 320-350 km on a single charge, taking approximately three hours to recharge to 100% battery capacity (or 90mins to 80% battery capacity on a fast charge cycle). The payload capacity is 8.5 tons.

Aswin Techajareonvikul, Chief Executive Officer and President of BJC Big C, said, “BJC Big C operates business in parallel with creating a sound economy and good quality of life for the community and society. The company aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This year, Big C has joined forces with DHL Supply Chain Thailand to have electric vehicles (EV) to transport and distribute goods to help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and to focus on becoming a green logistics organization. Big C will pilot the use of electric trucks to transport and distribute goods at three Big C branches in Bangkok, namely Big C Saphan Khwai, Big C Ratchada, and Big C Ratchadamri. We plan to expand routes and increase the number of vehicles in the long term in Bangkok and other provinces. This collaboration is a joint drive to create an environmentally sustainable supply chain.”

The partnership between Big C and DHL Supply Chain Thailand is centred on their mutual goal to reduce their carbon footprint. This deployment of electric trucks represents yet another significant step forward in their collaborative effort to build a sustainable supply chain. The trucks are powered by 100 per cent electricity.

Scott Gerrie, Transport Vice President of DHL Supply Chain Thailand Cluster, added, “Our transport team is constantly looking for innovative ways to help customers lower carbon emissions. Apart from the current EV trucks, we are also looking to install Trailar solar mats on the EV fleet and use fuel additives for internal combustion engine trucks to reduce carbon emissions. We hope to provide greater impact in the future by increasing fleet innovation and utilization within our own fleet and those of our sub-contractors.”