Deliver-E Coalition: The Transition to EV Last-Mile Delivery

Some of the world’s largest food and grocery delivery companies have allied to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles for last-mile logistics.

The Deliver-E Coalition sees major industry players commit to electrifying the two- and three-wheeler vehicles that perform millions of deliveries in urban areas globally.

This move signals a major push towards phasing out internal combustion engines within the sector.

The founding members of the coalition include Delivery Hero, DoorDash, iFood, Mr D, Swiggy, Uber, Wolt and Zomato.

Collectively, these firms operate across 96 countries and facilitate an estimated six billion deliveries annually using two- and three-wheeler vehicles.

Through shared learning and collaborative planning, the platforms are pledging to transition their fleets to zero-emission alternatives such as electric bikes, mopeds and three-wheelers.

Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP)’s Industry and Economy Division, explained: “Deliver-E is industry leadership in action.”

Sheila adds: “Zero-emission two- and three-wheeler vehicles are ready to scale: they are cleaner, quieter and increasingly cost-effective. Through Deliver-E, companies will share what works and move faster together than any one company could alone.”

Addressing urban emissions and delivery growth

The creation of the Deliver-E Coalition is a response to environmental concerns and the operational challenges posed by the rapid expansion of e-commerce.

In 2021, e-commerce in 43 economies generated US$25tn, a figure 15% higher than before the pandemic.

This growth has led to a corresponding increase in last-mile deliveries, which places strain on cities already dealing with traffic congestion, noise and air pollution.

Urban delivery logistics are facing increased scrutiny. According to a UN study, emissions from delivery services in the world’s top 100 cities could rise by more than 30% in the coming years if current trends continue.

The study also predicts a 14% increase in congestion, a 12% rise in healthcare costs and a potential increase in daily commute times of around five minutes.

Further projections indicate that deliveries could be responsible for as much as half of urban transport emissions by 2030.

The economic case for electric vehicle adoption

Beyond the environmental benefits electrification of delivery fleets presents tangible cost savings.

Studies supported by the UNEP show that switching from petrol-powered two-wheelers to electric bikes can reduce last-mile delivery costs by approximately 25% and cut related emissions by nearly 90%.

The Deliver-E Coalition’s founding charter outlines a commitment from its members to “dramatically speed up the implementation of zero-emission deliveries by shifting to electric vehicles, bicycles and other means of zero-emission two- and three-wheeler deliveries, thereby unlocking economic, social and environmental benefits for all stakeholders and the wider society.”

The coalition intends to make electric fleets the standard for local delivery operations, not only in major urban centres but also in smaller markets.

An early priority is to quicken the deployment of electric two- and three-wheelers coordinated through UNEP’s Global Electric Mobility Programme, which also serves as the coalition’s Secretariat.

A collaborative framework for fleet electrification

The programme will manage governance, oversee technical discussions, enable member collaboration and report on shared progress. It will also connect the coalition with a wider network of policymakers, financiers, fleet aggregators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

The core of the Deliver-E strategy is to create “a platform for knowledge exchange” where companies “share learnings and expertise for an industry-wide electrification effort".

This involves the exchange of real-world data on vehicle usage, charging patterns, and fleet management to develop scalable transition plans.

The Coalition Charter also says: “Members shift to zero-emission deliveries to contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing air and noise pollution, enhancing the resilience of the livelihoods of drivers, and accelerating the wider electrification of mobility and transportation.”

This industry-wide move also aligns with changing consumer preferences. Surveys suggest that over 70% of shoppers now favour sustainable delivery options, presenting both a logistical challenge and a brand opportunity for delivery platforms.

By pooling resources and sharing data, the Deliver-E Coalition is working to bridge the gap between the demand for sustainable urban logistics and the current operational realities.

The initiative is focused on establishing a shared evidence base and assessing existing technologies to implement practical improvements across its members' diverse markets.

This collaborative effort could reshape how delivery platforms operate in almost 100 countries and influence the daily work of their millions of riders.