First hydrogen truck used in linehaul operations in Germany

In 2023, GLS Germany [2] put its first hydrogen truck into regular operation, an innovation in long-distance transport that demonstrates GLS’ sustainability ambitions. The Hyundai Xcient Fuel Cell is used in linehaul operations and for customer pick-up and delivery in the Cologne-Bonn area.

Electrification of heavy goods transportation

Lately we have seen some great examples of electrification of heavy goods transportation throughout the GLS network. GLS Canada [3] received its first class 8 electric truck from freightliner and already uses two Lion 6 trucks in their operations. GLS Italy [4] uses two electric trucks in their linehaul operations and for parcel pick-up and delivery. Since November 2023, the daily route between the city Rome San Lorenzo and the Riano Hub is run by a Volvo FH electric. Further pilots and tests for linehaul electrification have been performed in Belgium, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Denmark, the Netherlands and the Czech Republic.

Increased use of zero- and low-emission vehicles

At GLS we continue to expand our transport fleet and implementing innovative solutions across our transport services, adding more electric vans, light vehicles and alternative fuel vehicles to the delivery network. As of the end of March 2024, over 4,900 zero- and low-emission vehicles [5] are in operation, marking a 48% increase since March 2023.

Expanding the charging infrastructure

Charging facilities are being expanded across GLS to supply the constantly growing transport fleet with electricity. In 2023/24, we installed approximately 1,400 new charging points, bringing the total number of charging points across the GLS network to over 3,600.

GLS Germany installed over 500 charging points in 2023 and GLS Poland [6] doubled the number of charging points over the past year, making electric charging available at 22 different locations. In partnership with ABB E-mobility, GLS France [7] is working to provide more employees and transport partners with charging stations on site.

Electric Shunter introduced in Hungary

In 2022, GLS Hungary [8] replaced a diesel-powered swap body transporter with an electric one. The new vehicle has two battery packs (80kW) and carries the swap bodies within the GLS depot in Alsónémedi, near Budapest.

To meet the increased demand for charging, Hungary has newly installed a 120 kW fast charger.

New depot in Dublin, Ireland

GLS Ireland [9] recently moved to their new depot in Dublin. The building has a 6.5 kW photovoltaic system, a heat pump, rainwater harvesting, LED lighting and 14 electric charging stations. The new depot is LEED Silver certified.

Forest Protection in Pacajá, Brazil

The project in the Brazilian Amazon covers an area of 148,000 hectares. To avoid the deforestation of native forests, the project promotes and supports the native population in using sustainable agroforestry techniques and provides them with land use rights for their contribution to nature conservation. In addition, villagers are trained as monitoring personnel working in patrol teams to ensure the project area is monitored. The project is VCS CCBS certified .

Solar energy in Bhadla, India

By generating 832,550 MWh of electricity each year from solar energy, the GS VER-certified project contributes to increasing the share of renewable energy in India’s electricity mix and improves the national energy supply. It further supports infrastructure development in the region, as roads are expanded and improved. This project creates permanent jobs with an above-average income in the region.

Wind energy in Gadhsisa, India

This project generates energy with 143 wind turbines, which corresponds to a total capacity of 300 MW. It, contributes to climate protection, as fossil fuel power plants would have otherwise generated the amount of energy. In addition, the region's sustainable development is supported through the creation of jobs in conjunction with training and the promotion of education, such as the opportunity for students to attend local schools. The project is GS VER certified .

Solar energy in Jodhpur, India

Jodhpur, in the Indian state of Rajasthan, is a growing city of over 1.5 million people. Due to its desert location, it’s well-placed to provide its industries electricity through solar power. To construct and operate a solar park, however, it needed additional support from companies like GLS. The project built a solar plant that covers 140 hectares of land and supplies 416,000 megawatt-hours of clean energy to the grid annually. That saves 408,420 tonnes of CO2 every year.

Wind energy in Bhatel, India

The Indian state of Gujarat is heavily agricultural, and its power grid is dominated by fossil fuels. We support a wind energy project that not only reduces the state’s dependence on fossil fuels but also hits several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for improving the lives of locals. Stable power and long-term employment in an area dominated by short-term contracts make a local improvement, whilst the project saves around 145,000 tonnes of CO2 every year.

Wind energy in Naranpar, India

120 wind turbines with a total installed capacity of 252 MW generate 556,508 MWh per year for the Indian energy grid. This amount of electricity would otherwise have been produced using fossil fuels. This increases the power supply, helping to close the region's energy gap. Further, the wind power project promotes sustainable development through new long-term employment opportunities, combined with various training sessions for all employees.