DHL Deploys Zelostech Autonomous EVs in Live Singapore Logistics Hub Operations

## DHL Puts Autonomous Vehicles to Work at Singapore Hub DHL has transitioned autonomous electric vehicles into live operational use at its Advanced Regional Center (ARC) in Singapore, according to FreightWaves, signalling a meaningful shift from pilot programme to commercial deployment in one of Asia's busiest logistics corridors. The vehicles, developed in partnership with Singapore-based autonomous mobility firm Zelostech, were originally introduced through DHL's Fast Forward Challenge — an innovation initiative designed to identify and accelerate emerging logistics technologies. The successful trial has now culminated in the vehicles being integrated into the hub's daily workflow, handling point-to-point transfers between logistics facilities across the campus. The deployment is fully driverless and entirely electric, aligning with broader industry efforts to reduce both operational costs and carbon emissions within freight and logistics infrastructure. Singapore's ARC serves as a critical node in DHL's Asia-Pacific network, making it a strategically significant testbed for automation at scale. ### Why This Matters for the Freight Sector The move reflects a growing trend among major logistics operators to push autonomous ground vehicle technology beyond controlled trials and into revenue-generating operations. For the maritime and port logistics sector, where last-mile and inter-terminal transfers represent persistent bottlenecks, the successful integration of driverless EVs at a major hub offers a compelling proof of concept. Singapore's position as a global transshipment hub and its government's strong support for smart logistics infrastructure have made it a natural proving ground for such technologies. The city-state's port and logistics ecosystem continues to attract investment in automation, from autonomous port equipment to AI-driven supply chain management. DHL's partnership with Zelostech also underscores the role that innovation challenge programmes can play in accelerating the path from prototype to production — a model increasingly adopted across the freight and maritime industries to source and scale emerging solutions. As autonomous vehicle technology matures, industry observers will be watching closely to see whether deployments like this one at Singapore's ARC can be replicated across other major logistics hubs globally.