Amazon's Radical Approach to Sustainable Transportation

In a groundbreaking move, Amazon is transforming its supply chain operations in the UK with a multi-pronged approach to sustainable transportation.
The e-commerce giant's latest initiatives demonstrate a significant commitment to reducing environmental impact while optimising delivery efficiency.
Electrifying the last mile: Record-breaking EV investment
Amazon has placed the UK's largest-ever order for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs), signalling a significant shift in its logistics strategy.
Over the next 18 months, the company will integrate more than 140 electric vehicles into its delivery network, including approximately 120 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks.
Once fully operational, the electric trucks are expected to transport at least 300 million packages annually with zero exhaust emissions, significantly reducing Amazon's supply chain's carbon footprint.
What's more, Amazon is investing heavily in charging infrastructure to support the mass fleet expansion. The company plans to install 360kW electric charging points at key UK sites, capable of charging 40-tonne trucks from 20% to 80% in just over an hour.
The strategic investment ensures operational efficiency while supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Rail revolution: Leveraging electric railways
Meanwhile, in a first for the company, Amazon has launched large-scale rail deliveries utilising the UK's electric West Coast Main Line.
The innovative approach to freight transport expects to move more than 20 million products via the electric rail network in 2025 alone.
By leveraging rail transport, Amazon is reducing road congestion and significantly reducing carbon emissions associated with long-haul trucking.
Urban logistics: On-foot and e-cargo bike deliveries
Amazon's supply chain innovations extend to urban areas, with the introduction of on-foot deliveries in central London.
Developed in partnership with local boroughs, the initiative aims to reduce van trips and minimise emissions in congested urban areas.
Additionally, the company has expanded its fleet of electric cargo bikes in major UK cities, further optimising last-mile delivery operations.
A holistic approach to supply chain sustainability
Nicola Fyfe, EU VP of Amazon Logistics, highlights the company's comprehensive strategy.
"Decarbonising our transport network is key in helping us achieve our goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions across our operations by 2040," she says. "The announcement is an exciting and major step forward for us in this mission."
By leveraging a diverse range of zero-emission transportation methods, Amazon is working towards its own sustainability goals and contributing to the broader decarbonisation of the UK's transport sector.
The UK Government supports these efforts through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator programme.
Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister, comments: "Business has a crucial role to play in decarbonising our roads and that's why it's fantastic to see Amazon place the UK's biggest ever order of electric trucks, supported in part by the government's US$252m 'Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator' project."
As Amazon continues to innovate and invest in sustainable logistics, it sets a powerful example for other businesses in the industry.
These supply chain transformations demonstrate that large-scale sustainability initiatives can be both environmentally beneficial and operationally efficient, paving the way for a greener future in e-commerce and logistics.
Explore the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Supply Chain Digital is a BizClik brand.
- The Panama Canal and its Crucial Role in the EV Supply ChainSupply Chain Risk Management
- GXO: Providing Warehousing and Transportation for CastoreLogistics
- DB Schenker: Committed to a Sustainable Future in LogisticsDigital Supply Chain
- How is Carbon-Neutral Sendle Electrifying SME Shipping?Sustainability