Amazon has placed orders for more than 150 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in a bid to create Britain’s largest zero-emission truck fleet. The online retail and logistics giant is also stepping up its commitment to rail transport, moving packages along the west coast main line for onward distribution.
Amazon confirmed it has ordered over 140 new Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM Electric units, supplementing nine electric tractor units already in its fleet. By the end of this year, it expects to have 160 large zero-emission HGVs in operation.
While the company declined to specify exact costs, with each e-HGV priced at up to £200,000, the outlay could total around £30 million. The trucks boast a range of 310 miles per charge and take about an hour to recharge at high-speed stations.
The orders form part of a wider plan to add 1,500 electric trucks to Amazon’s European fleet by 2027, backed by a £300 million investment. Though Amazon has yet to disclose how many diesel HGVs it still operates, the firm remains committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2040.
It is estimated there are currently only 300 electric HGVs on UK roads. Amazon’s new orders are therefore set to make a sizeable impact, firmly accelerating Britain’s transition to electric transport solutions.
In parallel, the company will expand its use of rail freight, transporting shipping containers on the west coast main line between Scotland, the West Midlands and London. These deliveries will link to local sorting centres for further handling and last-mile service.
Amazon has also revealed plans for on-foot deliveries in central London, using restockable trolleys and working alongside partners who operate electric vans and e-cargo bikes.
“This is a win for our customers, the environment and our business,” said Nicola Fyfe, head of Amazon logistics in Europe. “By deploying the country’s biggest order of eHGVs, making use of the UK’s electric rail network, and launching on-foot deliveries, we are cutting emissions and boosting delivery efficiency.”
