Rise in home deliveries fuels consumer climate concerns

Three in four consumers (73%) would like all their home deliveries to be delivered in a low carbon manner such as electric vehicles, cargo bikes, or walking in the next five years, according to new findings from EO Charging.

The research reveals that consumer concerns over the environmental impact of their home deliveries has surged alongside their reliance on them in lockdown.

The number of online orders people make for goods to be delivered to their home has shot up by 35% since the beginning of the pandemic.

The increase is particularly marked amongst younger adults, with 18-24 year-olds having increased their home deliveries by 41% and 25-34 year-olds by 44%.

Adults aged 44 and under now make an average of 10 online orders a month for home delivery from food to clothing and household goods.

However, concerns over the impact of home deliveries are also rising, particularly amongst the younger age groups responsible for the most home deliveries. Two-thirds of 18-24 year-olds (66%) and 63% of 25-34 year-olds say they have become more aware of the environmental impact of their home deliveries since the start of the pandemic, compared to 50% across all age groups.

Three quarters of those aged 18-34 (76%) say they would prefer to buy products from companies that deliver them in an environmentally friendly manner, and a similar proportion (76% of 18-24 year-olds and 78% of 25-34 year-olds) would be likely to use a green delivery option if one was available on the online shopping websites they use.

Almost two-thirds (63%) of 18-24 year-olds would even be willing to pay an additional charge for a delivery that was environmentally friendly.

Charlie Jardine, CEO and Founder of EO, said: “Three national lockdowns have really cemented the increased likelihood for people to buy goods online and get them delivered to their doorstep – but they are also aware that all these deliveries come at a cost to the planet.

“A large majority of people are keen to see all their home deliveries arriving in a low-carbon manner in the next five years, whether that is by electric vehicle, cargo bike or on foot.

“Many businesses have been planning for a switch to electric vehicle fleets for some time, but the governmental commitment and support to the EV sector, combined with increasing consumer concerns over the impact of home deliveries, has really super-charged their plans.

“The level of interest in implementing EV infrastructure is going up and up and it is helping us to continue our fast growth trajectory.”

Image: Shutterstock

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