How Amazon hit one Billion Electric Deliveries in the US

Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Amazon has reached an extraordinary milestone: its 1,000,000,000th delivery in the United States made via an electric delivery vehicle.

Yes, that's one billion packages delivered sustainably, thanks to Amazon's growing fleet of EVs.

Kara Hurst, Amazon's Chief Sustainability Officer, reflects on this accomplishment, stating, "It couldn't have happened without the incredible delivery associates and over 20,000 electric vans now delivering to customers in thousands of cities from coast to coast."

Kara highlights the seamless integration of EVs into Amazon's logistics network: "Our one billionth delivery didn't arrive with a big red bow, so the customer probably didn't know the difference. But, that's the point. We want every customer to experience reliable and fast delivery, regardless of the changes we're making behind the scenes.

"Every new EV signals an important shift and we're on our way to hitting our goal of at least 100,000 electric delivery vans on the road by 2030."

The road to electrification

Amazon's journey toward a more sustainable delivery network has been years in the making.

The importance of EVs in last-mile delivery

As e-commerce continues to thrive, last-mile delivery—the final step in getting packages to customers—has become a critical focus for sustainability efforts.

EVs are playing a transformative role in the space, offering a range of benefits:

1. Cost efficiency

Switching to EVs can significantly cut operational costs:

• EVs reduce fuel expenses by up to 80% compared to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
• Maintenance costs are up to 70% lower for EVs.
• Overall, electric delivery vehicles offer a lower total cost of ownership, making them an attractive choice for logistics companies.

2. Environmental sustainability

EVs are essential in reducing the environmental footprint of last-mile delivery:

• Zero tailpipe emissions improve air quality in urban areas.
• EVs contribute to up to 90% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than ICE vehicles.
• They align with stricter emissions regulations, helping companies avoid fines and comply with local laws.

3. Operational advantages

EVs provide practical benefits for urban deliveries:

• Their quick acceleration and efficiency in stop-and-go traffic make them ideal for navigating busy city streets.
• Enhanced battery analytics improve route planning and optimise fleet utilisation.

4. Meeting consumer and business demands

As customers prioritise sustainability, businesses are adapting to stay competitive:

• Consumers increasingly seek eco-friendly delivery options.
• Companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint are choosing logistics partners with sustainable practices.

5. Future-proofing logistics

By adopting EVs, businesses prepare for evolving regulations and industry trends:

• Cities worldwide are implementing stricter access rules for traditional vehicles to combat pollution.
• EV fleets ensure compliance and improve resilience against future regulatory changes.

A sustainable future

Amazon's billionth EV delivery is more than just a milestone—it's a glimpse into a greener future for logistics and e-commerce.

With a clear roadmap to deploy 100,000 electric vans by 2030, Amazon continues to lead by example in the transition to sustainable transportation.

As Kara puts it, every new EV is a step toward a more sustainable world, proving that innovation and responsibility can go hand in hand in delivering for customers—and the planet.

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