Amazon invests in the UK’s largest e-HGV fleet, expands rail deliveries

Amazon has placed orders for more than 150 electric heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) in a bid to create Britain’s largest fleet of zero-emission trucks. The online retail and logistics giant is also strengthening its commitment to rail transportation, moving parcels along the West Coast trunk line for distribution.

Amazon has confirmed that it has ordered more than 140 new Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks and eight Volvo FM electric units, to complement the nine electric tractor units already in its fleet. By the end of this year, it is expected to have 160 zero-emission heavy vehicles in operation.

While the company declined to specify exact costs, with each HEV being priced at up to £200,000, expenditure could total around £30m. The trucks feature a range of up to 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 vans to Amazon’s European fleet by 2027, backed by a £300m investment. Although Amazon has not yet revealed how many heavy-duty diesel vehicles it still operates, the company remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040.

It is estimated that there are currently only 300 heavy electric vehicles on UK roads. Thus, Amazon’s new orders are expected to make a significant impact, accelerating Britain’s transition to electric mobility solutions.

In parallel, the company will expand its use of rail freight, transporting freight containers on the West Coast Main Line between Scotland, the West Midlands and London. These deliveries will be linked to local sorting centers for further processing and last-mile service.

Amazon also revealed plans for walking deliveries in central London, using restockable vans and working alongside partners operating electric vans and e-cargo bikes.

“This is a win for our customers, the environment and our business,” said Nicola Fife, Amazon’s head of logistics in Europe. “By deploying the largest order of high-speed electric vehicles in the country, leveraging the UK’s electric rail network, and launching walking deliveries, we are reducing emissions and boosting delivery efficiency.”

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