Amazon Expands EV Fleet for Zero-Emission Deliveries
Amazon is making significant strides toward sustainability with the UK's largest-ever EV order, bolstering its commitment to zero-exhaust emissions.
The expansion, which includes a fleet of more than 140 electric trucks and the first-ever rail deliveries in the UK, is part of Amazon's broader mission to reduce its environmental impact while enhancing delivery efficiency.
A record investment in electric trucks
Over the next 18 months, Amazon will integrate more than 140 electric vehicles into its delivery network, including around 120 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks. The unprecedented move forms part of the company's more significant effort to decarbonise its transportation network.
Once fully operational, these new electric trucks are set to transport in excess of 300 million packages annually while emitting zero exhaust emissions.
The vehicles will haul products to and from Amazon's fulfilment centres, sort centres and delivery stations, ensuring customers receive their packages with a smaller carbon footprint.
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. Today's announcement is an exciting and major step forward for us in this mission."
Supporting infrastructure and rapid charging
Amazon's investment extends beyond the vehicles, with significant plans to expand the UK's charging infrastructure.
Fast-charging stations will be set up at key sites to accommodate these new trucks, including 360kW electric charging points capable of charging 40-tonne vehicles from 20 to 80 percent in just over an hour. The trucks, capable of covering a 310-mile (500 km) range at full charge, will ensure Amazon can continue its operations without delays.
The expansion aligns with the UK Government's Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme, which supports the transition to cleaner, electric-heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs).
"Business has a crucial role to play in decarbonising our roads," says Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood. "It's fantastic to see Amazon place the UK's biggest-ever order of electric trucks, supported in part by the government's U$252m Zero Emission HGV project."
Revolutionising rail deliveries for sustainability
In addition to its electric truck fleet, Amazon has launched large-scale rail deliveries, utilising the UK's electric West Coast Main Line.
The rail system, running between Scotland and the Midlands, now serves as a key part of Amazon's network, helping to transport products to local fulfilment centres.
The development will see more than 20 million products sold on Amazon travel on the UK's electric rail network in 2025 alone, avoiding traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions.
It plans to expand the use of rail across more routes by the end of the year, making rail deliveries a cornerstone of its zero-emission strategy.
On-foot deliveries and e-cargo bikes in London
Amazon's sustainability efforts extend to the streets of central London. In a first for the company, it has introduced on-foot deliveries in the city, with delivery carts restocked on the move from nearby vans.
The innovation, developed in partnership with local boroughs including Hackney, Westminster and Islington, will reduce the number of van trips in the city and minimise emissions and ultra-low emission zone taxes in one of the most congested urban areas in the world.
Additionally, Amazon continues to expand its fleet of electric cargo bikes in major UK cities, including Belfast, Norwich and London. These zero-emission vehicles help reduce delivery costs and traffic congestion while contributing to cleaner air in densely populated areas.
A greener future for Amazon's delivery network
Since 2022, Amazon has made more than 150 million deliveries using electric vans and cargo bikes in the UK. These efforts have removed millions of diesel vans from the road, contributing to reduced carbon emissions, less traffic congestion, and better air quality.
"By leveraging electric vans, e-cargo bikes and on-foot deliveries, we are making more zero-exhaust emission deliveries than ever before," adds Nicola. "This is a win for our customers, the environment and business."
As part of Amazon's ongoing commitment to sustainability, the company is transforming how it delivers products and playing a vital role in the UK's broader push to decarbonise transport, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for logistics and delivery operations.
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