By Dieter Holger

Deutsche Post AG's DHL Freight and Volvo AB agreed to pilot heavy-duty electric trucks in the first quarter of this year.

The German shipping company and Swedish manufacturer said Tuesday that they would trial the fully electric Volvo FH truck, which has a gross combination weight of up to 60 metric tons, on a roughly 150 kilometer one-way route between the Swedish cities of Gothenburg and Jonkoping. The trial will help the companies find "the right balance" on distance, load size and charging points.

"Our aim is to reduce all logistics-related emissions to zero," Uwe Brinks, chief executive of DHL Freight, said in prepared remarks. "However, we need innovative technological solutions and strong partnerships along this journey."

Write to Dieter Holger at dieter.holger@wsj.com; @dieterholger

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-23-21 0548ET