Inside Amazon's Biggest-Ever Order of Electric Vehicles

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Amazon boosts sustainability with a record order of EV trucks
Amazon has invested in electric trucks and rail for sustainable delivery, revitalising its logistics with a focus on green technology

Amazon is taking a giant leap towards sustainability with a record-setting order of 140 new electric vehicles (EVs) and the introduction of its first-ever rail delivery system across the UK.

This initiative is a crucial part of Amazon's dedication to environmental stewardship but also aims to significantly reduce carbon emissions across its operational network.​​​​​​​

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Electrifying road transport

This expansion to Amazon's huge fleet of delivery vehicles in the UK will take place over the next 18 months.

This order includes approximately 120 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks, positioning Amazon at the forefront of eco-friendly logistics.

These new additions are a vital component of Amazon's strategy to decarbonise its transportation grid and aim for net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Nicola Fyfe, EU VP of Amazon Logistics, states: "Decarbonising our transport network is key to helping us achieve our goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040.

Nicola Fyfe, EU VP of Amazon Logistics

"Today’s announcement is an exciting and major step forward for us in this mission,” she explains.

The electric trucks are expected to handle the delivery of over 300 million packages annually, operating with zero exhaust emissions.

These vehicles will be instrumental in transporting goods between Amazon's numerous logistical points including fulfilment centres, sort centres, and delivery stations, thereby ensuring efficient and environmentally friendly service to customers.

Upgrading essential charging infrastructure

The commitments extend beyond the vehicles themselves, with Amazon bolstering the UK's electric charging infrastructure.

New fast-charging stations, featuring powerful 360kW electric charging points, are set to be established at strategic locations.

These stations will be capable of recharging the heavy 40-tonne trucks from 20% to 80% in just over an hour, effectively ensuring that Amazon's fleet operations are seamless and uninterrupted.

These developments align with the UK Government's Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, which is an initiative that promotes the transition to cleaner, electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs).

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood applauds Amazon's initiative, stating, "Business has a crucial role to play in decarbonising our roads. It's fantastic to see Amazon place the UK's biggest-ever order of electric trucks, supported in part by the government's US$252m Zero Emission HGV project.”

Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister

Investing in rail delivery

Beyond the road, Amazon is also innovating with rail logistics.

Utilising the UK's electric West Coast Main Line, Amazon has launched large-scale rail deliveries that cover routes between Scotland and the Midlands. This rail network is set to transport more than 20 million Amazon-sold products in 2025 alone, efficiently bridging the gap between regional fulfillment centers while avoiding road congestion and further reducing carbon emissions.

In urban settings, particularly in central London, Amazon is pioneering on-foot deliveries and expanding its fleet of electric cargo bikes.

These initiatives are tailored to diminish the reliance on van-based deliveries in one of the world's most congested cities, thereby significantly lowering urban emissions and contributing to cleaner air. By integrating on-foot deliveries and e-cargo bikes into its overall delivery mechanism, Amazon is effectively reshaping urban logistics, making it greener and more sustainable.

Amazon on-foot deliveries

A more sustainable delivery network

Since 2022, Amazon has successfully completed more than 150 million deliveries using electric vans and cargo bikes across the UK.

This transformation not only reduces the number of diesel vans on the roads but also exemplifies Amazon's commitment to a sustainable business model that benefits the environment, customers, and the company itself.

“By leveraging electric vans, e-cargo bikes and on-foot deliveries, we are making more zero-exhaust emission deliveries than ever before,” says Nicola.


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