DHL Express is set to make history with its first order of 12 fully electric cargo planes from Seattle-based manufacturer Eviation as the company pushes forth with its carbon neutral ambitions.

Investing in the zero-emission cargo aircraft, dubbed Alice, is part of DHL’s plan to set up an ‘electric express network’ and a pioneering step into a sustainable future for logistics and aviation.

DHL expects its order to arrive as early as 2024, with the all-electric aircraft on track for its flight later this year.

“Alice can be flown by a single pilot and will carry 1,200 kilograms (2,600 lbs). It will require 30 minutes or less to charge per flight hour and have a maximum range of up to 815 kilometers (440 nautical miles),” the company noted.

The move is part of the company’s big plan to decarbonise its operations for which it is investing 7 billion euros (opex and capex) until 2030 to reach its zero emissions target by 2050.

The leading integrator said the funds will go towards electrification of its last-mile delivery fleet, sustainable aviation fuel and climate-neutral buildings.

“The next time you order an on-demand package, check if it was delivered with a zero-emission aircraft like DHL will be doing,” said Eviation executive chairman Roei Ganzarski.

“With on-demand shopping and deliveries on a constant rise, Alice is enabling DHL to establish a clean, quiet and low-cost operation that will open up greater opportunities for more communities.”

DHL plans to operate its all-electric fleet on routes serviced by piston and turbine aircraft, with the smaller aircraft ideal for feeder routes and requiring less investment in station infrastructure, the company noted.

Rival UPS in April announced orders for electric aircraft from startup Beta Technologies, which can take off and land directly on its property. Beta’s aircraft can carry payloads of 1,400 pounds  with a range of 250 miles, perfect for moving smaller loads.