- Electric trucks and electric vans are set to join Amazon UK’s delivery fleet in large numbers, with the online retailer announcing the arrival of new Mercedes-Benz Truck eActros 600 to its haulage fleet, in the firm’s mission to decarbonise its road operations.
- The eActros 600 units are able to travel over 310 miles between charges, even when loaded with 22 tonnes of cargo.
- Its new fleet of electric trucks are expected to help carry over 300 million products annually, travelling a combined distance of over 11 million miles.
Amazon adopts electric trucks in the UK
These new electric trucks will be put to use by Amazon‘s carrier partners, helping transport customer packages between fulfilment centres, sorting centres, and final delivery stations. Amazon is set to deploy 160 electric trucks, meaning the UK will have one of the largest eHGV fleets operated by Amazon globally.
To ensure that these eHGVs can remain in operation for long periods, Amazon has also been busy installing ultra-rapid truck charging infrastructure at many of its UK sites – allowing the eActros 600 to be charged up from 20% to 80% in just over an hour.
The Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 is proving to be a popular choice, existing as one of the longest range electric HGVs available in Europe. We’ve already seen the truck prove its long-range prowess in time critical operations such as Formula 1, whilst other delivery firms such as HIVED have also opted for the same model.
Electrifying last mile deliveries
Electric HGVs are just one part decarbonising the entire transport chain, but Amazon is also pushing for electrification in the final delivery stage. Over 800 Mercedes-Benz eSprinter vans are also set to be deployed in the UK over the next few months, ensuring that deliveries remain fully-electric right up to the customer’s door.
For more urban areas, Amazon is also deploying ecargo bikes, already being operated in busy cities such as Manchester, London, and Glasgow.
Nicola Fyfe, EU Vice President of Amazon Logistics, commented:
“These trucks, alongside more electric vans and on-foot deliveries, are a win for our customers, the environment, and our business.
The challenge to scaling this approach across the logistics industry, however, is charging infrastructure. We’ve invested in our own facilities but need continued industry and government collaboration to develop the national network required for widespread electric vehicle adoption.”
