Amazon UK adds five DAF CF Electric HGVs to fleet in European first

Amazon has launched five DAF CF Electric HGVs on Britain's roads in a move which sees it add electric trucks to its fleet for the first time in Europe.

The 37-tonne DAF HGVs are operating out of its fulfilment centres in Tilbury and Milton Keynes, with Amazon estimating they will replace up to 100,000 annual diesel road miles, reducing its carbon emissions by 170 tonnes of CO2.

The online giant predicts that, by the end of the year, it will be operating nine fully-electric HGVs as well as its more than 1,000 electric final mile delivery vans in the UK.

The DAF CF Electric is available as a 4x2 tractor and as a 6x2 rigid truck and comes with steered trailing axle for maximum manoeuvrability. The 210 kW electric motor draws its power from a 350 kWh battery pack. Full charging takes around 75 minutes, using a charging station with a capacity of 250 kW.

Amazon has also invested in new, ultra-fast, 360kW electric charging points at the two fulfilment centres, which will come into operation later in the year, to maximise the vehicles’ on-the-road time.

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John Boumphrey, Amazon UK country manager, said: “Amazon is one of the first companies in the world to put electric heavy goods trucks on the road. We’re committed to becoming net-zero carbon by 2040, and this is a milestone as we continue to decarbonise our transportation network so we can deliver more customer orders using zero emissions vehicles.”

Eelco van Veen, DAF Trucks director fleet sales, said: “We are excited to bring the DAF CF Electric HGV into Amazon’s fleet and support their commitment towards The Climate Pledge. The DAF CF Electric truck represents an important step in the industry towards zero emission middle mile distribution.”

Investment minister, Lord Grimstone, said: “This is further proof that the UK’s logistics sector continues to be at the forefront of efforts to electrify fleets and transition to zero emissions vehicles.

“Amazon’s introduction of its first-ever fully electric heavy goods vehicles in their UK fleet is fantastic news not only for their customers but for our wider efforts to end our contribution to climate change and transition to cleaner modes of transport.”