DPD is to trial two innovative electric vehicle charging solutions as part of its EcoLaunchpad programme.

The initiative saw it invite companies worldwide to apply for the opportunity to present their technologies and solutions with the aim of being trialled in a live environment by the delivery company.

Among those selected were:

• Me Energy, based in Germany, which has created the world’s first grid independent and mobile fast charging stations for EVs. Its charging stations use biomethanol or ethanol to create CO2-neutral electricity.
• Zooz Power, based in Israel, which has developed the Zoozter 100, the world’s first kinetic (flywheel-based) power booster, enabling ultra-fast charging for EVs

They – together with three other companies – will now take part in an intense 10-week process to refine and adapt their solutions.

Tim Jones, director of marketing, communications and sustainability at DPDgroup UK, said: “As a company we have a strong track record of integrating innovation in our operation, as seen most recently with the national roll-out of autonomous DPD robot deliveries.

“We are absolutely delighted to move to the next phase where we get to work together to see how these future innovations could help us on our journey to net zero by 2040.”

The successful companies came from different categories and these were:

• Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings. Winner: Resync Technologies, based in Singapore, which has developed an AI-driven intelligent energy cloud solution that helps businesses to be more energy efficient.
• Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery. Winner: me energy
• Carbon Emission Reduction in Collection & Delivery. Winner: Zooz Power
• Wildcard: Deus Robotics, based in Boston, is a technology company that develops advanced robotics technology and software systems that support companies to more efficiently store, manage, and distribute products in a warehouse environment. 
• Wildcard: Robco, based in Germany, has created the world's first and only modular robot. Robco's plug-and-play technology provides flexible automation solutions that increase efficiency, support employees, and can be easily integrated into existing systems.