Electrification and decarbonization of the transport network
Over the next five years, Amazon plans to invest more than one billion euros in the additional electrification and decarbonization of its own European transport network. In this way, the company says it wants to ensure more sustainable delivery to its customers. More than 400 million euros are to flow to Germany. In addition, the investment will serve to further develop innovations across the entire traffic and transport sector, as well as to expand the charging infrastructure.
As a result of the new investment, thousands more electric vehicles will be added to the company’s fleet, it said. Furthermore, it is expected to advance Amazon’s intention to be carbon neutral by 2040.
“Deploying thousands of electric delivery trucks, long-haul trucks and bicycles will help move us further away from traditional fossil fuels,” added Andy Jassy, Amazon’s CEO.
More than 10,000 electric delivery trucks by 2025
Amazon’s partners use more than 3,000 electric delivery trucks to deliver packages to customers in Europe. With the announced investment, the company said it plans to expand its fleet to more than 10,000 vehicles by 2025.
Amazon currently has micro-hubs in more than 20 European cities. It plans to double the number by the end of 2025. Micro-hubs are smaller delivery stations in the center of traditional European densely populated cities. By means of these hubs, Amazon is said to be able to use new delivery methods such as e-bikes as well as walking deliveries. This is intended to get packages to customers in a more sustainable way. The company reports that micro-hubs keep conventional delivery trucks off the road, reducing traffic congestion in downtown areas and improving air quality.
Furthermore, Amazon said it will invest in thousands of charging stations in Europe, both for itself and its partners.
Investment in over 1,500 electric trucks
Amazon also plans to move forward with the production of electric vehicles. The reason for this, it said, is to accelerate the move away from diesel vehicles. With the announced investment, Amazon plans to buy over 1,500 electric trucks for its fleet in Europe over the next few years. More than 500 of these electric trucks are to be purchased in Germany.
To power its electric trucks, Amazon will build hundreds of fast-charging stations in its European locations, which should enable the company to recharge the vehicles in around two hours.
Source: www.kloepfel-consulting.com