Online marketplace Amazon has introduced five electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) from truck manufacturer DAF to its UK delivery fleet.
The 37-metric ton fully electric vehicles are now operating from Amazon’s fulfilment centers in Tilbury and Milton Keynes. The five vehicles have replaced diesel HGVs, with four more electric trucks expected by the end of 2022. They will be charged using 360kW fast-charge points at each depot.
Amazon’s first electric HGVs in the UK and Europe mark an important milestone toward the electrification of its fleet, forming part of Shipment Zero – Amazon’s goal to deliver 50% of shipments with net-zero carbon by 2030.
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 decarbonize our transportation network so we can deliver more customer orders using zero emissions vehicles.”
Eelco van Veen, director fleet sales, DAF Trucks, said, “We are excited to bring the DAF CF Electric HGV into Amazon’s fleet and support its commitment toward The Climate Pledge. The DAF CF Electric truck represents an important step in the industry towards zero-emission middle-mile distribution.”
Trudy Harrison MP, parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Transport (DfT), said, “It is fantastic to see Amazon and the fleet industry playing its part in the UK’s world-leading plans to clean up our air, boost green jobs and decarbonize our vital transport network. Amazon plays a key role in transporting goods to towns and villages up and down the country and I’m pleased to see they are leading the way by going green. With the zero-emission market now taking off for even the heaviest HGVs, we’ll be able to move more products around in a way that’s friendlier to our environment while supporting our net zero mission.”