Amazon has made significant progress in its ambition to decarbonize its delivery fleet by deploying over 10,000 custom electric delivery vans from Rivian across the U.S. This initiative is a part of Amazon’s broader goal stemming from The Climate Pledge, which was co-founded by Amazon in 2019. The pledge emphasizes achieving net-zero carbon by 2040.
Why It Matters
As the e-commerce giant pushes towards its target of 100,000 electric delivery vehicles on the roads by 2030, the result will be a significant reduction in carbon emissions. These electric vehicles are expected to curtail millions of metric tons of carbon annually.
Key Points
- Initial Deployment: Amazon began the deployment of its electric delivery vans in the summer of 2022.
- Global Expansion: Beyond the U.S., custom vans have also been introduced in Europe, with over 300 set to operate in Germany soon.
- U.S. Coverage: These electric vans now serve over 1,800 U.S. cities including major ones like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami, among others. Upcoming cities include Anaheim and Lexington.
- Delivery Milestone: Rivian’s electric vans have delivered over 260 million packages in the U.S. for Amazon.
- Innovative Features: The vans boast state-of-the-art features:
- Emphasis on 360-degree visibility and safety.
- Advanced safety features like sensor detection, large windshields, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.
- Integrated technology for routing, navigation, and driver support.
- Driver-centric features such as automatic door functions, bulkhead doors that recognize delivery locations, and ergonomic designs.
- Charging Infrastructure: Over 12,000 chargers have been installed by Amazon at more than 100 U.S. delivery stations.
- Beyond Electric Vans: Amazon’s green initiatives include various electric vehicle models and investments in alternative fuels like green hydrogen and ultra-low carbon electrofuels.
Bottom Line
Amazon’s commitment to a sustainable future is evident through its aggressive push for electric delivery vehicles, investments in green technologies, and its broader mission under The Climate Pledge. As the company invests in electrifying its transportation network globally, it not only sets a precedent for sustainability but also encourages the entire industry to shift towards greener alternatives.
