Amazon ramps up UK electric fleet with rail and cart deliveries

Amazon is expanding its eco-friendly delivery network in the UK with the purchase of over 140 electric trucks, an increase in rail freight and the use of post-style delivery carts in cities.

Sarah Butler reports for The Guardian.

In short:

Amazon has ordered 148 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from Mercedes-Benz and Volvo as part of its plan to decarbonize UK operations by 2040.
The company will also use electric trains on the west coast mainline to transport up to 20 million products annually.
New delivery carts will reduce van usage in London, with pilot programs already running in Hackney, Westminster and Islington.

Key quote:

"Decarbonising our transport network is key in helping us achieve our goal to reach net zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040."

— Nicola Fyfe, European vice president of Amazon Logistics

Why this matters:

Heavy freight transport is a significant source of carbon emissions, and Amazon’s investment in electric trucks and rail could set a precedent for other logistics companies. However, insufficient charging infrastructure and high costs remain hurdles to widespread adoption.

www.theguardian.com

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