Amazon makes large e-HGV order
Amazon has expanded its zero-exhaust emission deliveries in the UK with one of the largest orders of electric heavy-goods vehicles (eHGVs).
The move will see more than 140 new electric Mercedes-Benz Truck eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks are joining Amazon’s transportation network over the next 18 months. This is an increase from the current nine eHGVs currently in operation with the fleet expected to transport more than 300 million packages each year with no exhaust emissions once fully operational.
It will also install additional fast charging infrastructure, including 360kW electric charging points capable of charging the eActros trucks from 20 to 80% in just over an hour. The new electric trucks will have a range of 310 miles (500 km) on full charge.
Around 20 of the Mercedes-Benz trucks will join its transportation network following the company’s participation in the UK Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme (ZEHID), with a proportion funded by the Department for Transport and coordinated in partnership with Innovate UK. Amazon has also added eight additional Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks as part of the programme.
In addition, Amazon has also launched rail deliveries, with products loaded onto train carriages on the fully electric West Coast Main Line between Scotland and the Midlands. More than 20 million products sold on Amazon are expected to travel on the UK’s electric rail network this year. There are also new on-foot deliveries across central London, with pilots developed in partnership with the London Boroughs of Hackney, Westminster and Islington, as well as electric cargo bike deliveries in more than 45 cities across the UK and Europe.
The shifts come from Amazon’s Climate Pledge commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040.
Nicola Fyfe, EU VP of Amazon Logistics, said:
“Decarbonising our transport network is key in helping us achieve our goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040 and today’s announcement is an exciting and major step forward for us in this mission.
“This is a win for our customers, the environment and our business.”
Heiko Selzam, Managing Director of Daimler Truck UK said:
“This order of more than 140 eActros 600 for the UK signifies their understanding of the importance these trucks will have, as they drive to reach their net-zero carbon emissions targets.”
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood said:
“Business has a crucial role to play in decarbonising our roads, and that’s why it’s fantastic to see Amazon place the UK’s biggest ever order of electric trucks, supported in part by the Government’s £200m ‘Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator’ project. This comes on top of our £2.3 billion to help industry and consumers switch to electric vehicles, supporting jobs, attracting investment and making Britain a clean energy superpower.”
Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director, Policy, Logistics UK said:
“Currently, almost 90% of the UK’s freight is moved by road, so it is important that the sector considers alternatively-fuelled vehicles and a shift to different transport modes in order to fulfil demand.
“Today’s announcement from Amazon demonstrates the sector’s willingness to change and its commitment to reducing overall emissions.”
Image courtesy of Amazon