Amazon plans to invest more than 1 billion euros in its sprawling electric vehicle fleet across Europe over the next five years. Amazon will add thousands more electric lorries, vans, and cargo bikes to the growing e-fleet.
The massive online retailer plans to triple its electric van fleet across Europe to more than 10,000 by 2025 and to purchase in the coming years more than 1,500 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) used for “middle-mile” shipments to package hubs.
Amazon’s largest electric van order is for 100,000 vehicles from Rivian Automotive through 2025.
To allow the new low-carbon fleet to charge in about two hours, hundreds of fast charging points for EVs are to be installed at Amazon’s European warehouses and delivery hubs.
Amazon has “micromobility hubs” in 20 cities in Europe that enable deliveries by carbo bikes as well as foot and is looking to double that.
The investment plan comes amid a boom in online shopping and deliveries since the Covid pandemic. The Covid boom in shopping added massively to the profits of Amazon, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos.
The commitment to electric vehicles also comes amid skyrocketing fuel costs ever since Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia’s war has pushed companies to look at alternative modes of transport.
Amazon said it hoped by taking the step it would encourage other retailers to invest in electric vehicles and help spur the building of more public charging infrastructure.
The announcement also comes in the run-up to the annual United Nations climate conference, COP27, being held this year in Egypt at the beginning of November.
There is mounting pressure on companies to shift away from traditional fossil fuels and slash emissions.
The transportation industry is one of the biggest emitters, and one of the hardest to decarbonize so far. Significant investments are vital in reducing emissions and meeting net zero goals. However, many companies are continuing to prioritize huge profit margins rather than commit to slashing emissions.
