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The largest-ever order of electric HGVs in this country began joining Amazon’s distribution network today, crossing the Humber bridge in east Yorkshire to deliver packages to customers nationwide.
Once fully deployed, the 160 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600s will move more than 300m products between Amazon’s logistics hubs across the UK.
The E-tail giant is also taking delivery of 800 Mercedes Benz eSprinters this winter in an additional move to cuts its carbon emissions.
Amazon has already installed charging points at all its sites, with 360kW chargers that it said would charge the 40-tonne trucks from 20% to 80% in just over an hour.
However, it warned that industry and government collaboration were required if widespread electric vehicle adoption was to take off.
“The first vehicles from our record-breaking eHGV order are now on Britain’s roads, transporting products between our hubs,” said Nicola Fyfe, Amazon Logistics EU VP.
“This marks a major milestone in our journey to decarbonise our UK transportation network.
“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,” she added.
“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.”
Daimler Truck UK MD Heiko Selzam said: “The eActros 600 was designed for forward-thinking companies like Amazon - businesses taking real action to make logistics more sustainable.
“Seeing these trucks now on the road, delivering to Amazon customers, marks an exciting step toward the decarbonisation of road freight and the future of long-haul transport.”
RHA welcomed Amazon’s call for greater government action to develop a national charging infrastructure. Managing director Richard Smith, said: “We echo Amazon’s call for increased investment in public charging infrastructure which would make wider adoption of electric vehicles more accessible and speed up decarbonisation.
“We’re also calling on the Chancellor to announce an emissions-linked fuel duty rebate in her Budget to increase the uptake of low-carbon fuels to ease transition from diesel to net zero fleets.”
