DHL Freight puts SuperPanther eTopas 600 into regular service in the Netherlands
DHL Freight has started regular commercial operations with the first Europe-built SuperPanther eTopas 600 electric truck. Operating in the Netherlands and on cross-border routes to Belgium, the vehicle covers approximately 2,000 kilometres per week. The deployment follows a partnership established at IAA Transportation 2024 and extensive testing in Austria.
DHL Freight has put the SuperPanther eTopas 600 electric truck into regular commercial service, marking a new stage in its collaboration with the Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturer.
The vehicle, which entered operation in September 2026, is being deployed across DHL Freight’s Dutch transport network, including cross-border services to Belgium. Unlike a conventional pilot project based on predefined routes, the eTopas 600 operates flexibly across different transport assignments, without being restricted to a single terminal or shuttle service.
According to DHL, the truck covers approximately 2,000 km per week, with an operational range of up to 500 km per battery charge.
From the IAA 2024 agreement to commercial operations
The cooperation between DHL Freight and SuperPanther dates back to IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, where the companies signed a memorandum of understanding to develop sustainable road freight solutions.
The partnership subsequently moved into operational testing in Austria, including a two-week trial in spring 2026 during which the eTopas 600 covered approximately 1,900 kilometres.
DHL reported an average electricity consumption of 102 kWh per 100 kilometres during the trial, with approximately 930 kg of CO₂ equivalent emissions avoided compared with the diesel reference vehicle used for the assessment.
In July 2026, the first series-produced eTopas 600 for DHL Freight rolled off the production line at Steyr Automotive in Austria, where SuperPanther manufactures the truck for the European market.
At IAA Transportation 2026, DHL Group and SuperPanther also signed a separate agreement focused on autonomous driving technologies, with the aim of exploring their practical application under real-world operating conditions.
SuperPanther eTopas 600: technical specifications
The eTopas 600 is equipped with a 621 kWh LFP battery supplied by CATL and an electric powertrain delivering 394 kW of continuous output and up to 692 kW at peak power. The manufacturer specifies a maximum range of up to 560 km, while DHL indicates an operational range of up to 500 km for its deployment.
Charging is supported through two CCS2 connectors, with a combined maximum charging power of 660 kW. According to the technical specifications, charging from 20% to 80% can take 38 minutes or less when using dual charging, under suitable conditions.
DHL Freight plans to expand its electric truck fleet
“Our experience from daily operations has been positive so far. The vehicle meets the requirements of the planned deployment profiles and achieves high productivity within the network,” said Arjan van Weelden, Carrier & Sustainability Manager at DHL Freight.
The company is using the experience gained from daily operations to assess how electric heavy-duty vehicles can be integrated into existing transport networks and to share operational feedback with SuperPanther. Heidi van Eldik, CEO of DHL Freight Netherlands & Belgium, also confirmed plans to add approximately 40 electric trucks to the fleet over the coming months.
DHL Freight currently operates around 1,700 vehicles using lower-emission technologies, including battery-electric trucks and vehicles powered by alternative fuels.
