DHL tests SuperPanther electric trucks in Austria
DHL Freight has proposed a suitable route: from Wels, located in the Upper Austrian Alpine foreland, to the Austrian capital of Vienna and back. The total distance is around 400 kilometers. The eTopas 600 will carry a 15-ton cargo load. Both companies are now following up on their declaration of intent by jointly bringing the eTopas 600 onto the road in Austria. The eTopas 600 is SuperPanther’s first electric truck developed for the European market.
DHL and Chinese truck maker SuperPanther have entered into a strategic partnership, conducting joint test drives with the eTopas 600 to evaluate the practical suitability of this electric truck. Indeed, in the fall of 2024, DHL Freight and Superpanther signed at the IAA Transportation in Hanover a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic cooperation.
Both companies are now following up on their declaration of intent by jointly bringing the eTopas 600 onto the road in Austria. The eTopas 600 is SuperPanther’s first electric truck developed for the European market. SuperPanther is collaborating with an Austrian original equipment manufacturer (OEM) on this project. With 42 ton GCW and 500 km estimated range, the electric truck is equipped with two electric motors mounted on the e-axle, with 535 hp continuous power. The overall CATL LFP battery capacity is 621 kWh.
SuperPanther electric trucks for DHL
Back to the tests, DHL Freight has proposed a suitable route: from Wels, located in the Upper Austrian Alpine foreland, to the Austrian capital of Vienna and back. The total distance is around 400 kilometers. The eTopas 600 will carry a 15-ton cargo load. An initial test drive took place at the end of October, and further tests are scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
Indeed, the joint test drives with the eTopas 600 align with the primary goal of the MoU between DHL Freight and SuperPanther: to jointly research and develop concepts for low- and zero-carbon transportation. DHL contributes its expertise as logistics industry leader, and SuperPanther provides innovative technology.
“We met a year ago and discussed the history of SuperPanther and the vision of bringing the electric truck to Europe. Now, having the opportunity to test drive it is truly incredible”, stated Antje Huber, SVP Strategy, Marketing & Staff, DHL Freight.
