Amazon Launch Electric Delivery Vehicles

February 24th, 2021

The retail giant Amazon is stepping into the future with the launch of it’s new Electric Delivery Vehicles.

Working with electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian, Amazon has designed a fleet of all-electric delivery vans. After commissioning over 100,000 of their custom designed EVs, the first Amazon Electric Delivery Vans have hit the roads in the US – with provisional plans for UK and European fleets to roll out later next year.

Following the announcement of Amazon’s Climate Pledge (to cut company carbon emissions to zero by 2040), three models have been commissioned from Rivian – customized for driver safety, ease and efficiency of delivery.

So, what do we know?

The new customized Amazon Electric Delivery Vehicles have been kitted out with innovative design and safety features, including:

• An extra-large windscreen, and a host of driver safety technology, including traffic assist, traffic sign recognition and driver attention alert features.
• Large central digital display integrated with Amazon’s logistics management system.
• 360-degree Exterior camera for ultimate visibility.
• Navigation information and conditions updates with Alexa integration.
• Spacious cabin with load-through access door in the bulkhead.
• Surround rear tail lights for increased road safety.
• Three levels of shelving in the load space – designed with driver input.

What’s the plan for 2021?

Amazon aren’t just sitting back – while the UK waits for the roll-out of the Rivian designed Electric Van, Amazon has partnered with Mercedes-Benz who are supplying fleets with e-Sprinter and e-Vito vans.

Amazon delivery fleets based in Exeter and Wembley have already seen the roll out of Mercedes Electric Delivery Vehicles- with independent logistics companies delivering for Amazon being given the chance to utilize the EVs in the fleet.

The Electric Vehicle Delivery Revolution

By 2025, Amazon has pledged to add at least another 1,800 electric delivery vehicles to its fleet in Europe alone, and Harrods of London has already deployed their fleet of e-NV200 vans – smartly avoiding the expense of London’s ULEZ and Clean Air Zone charges.

As companies such as these become more aware of the environmental impact of their businesses, we are likely to see more of these eco-friendly changes come into play. By going electric, Amazon are showing their customers that they are an environmentally conscious brand (while also ensuring they avoid potentially costly Clean Air Zone charges that are becoming increasingly prevalent in cities).

So, it looks like the trend has been set – with Electric Delivery Vehicles becoming more and more commonplace on our roads, we can expect that it won’t be long before we see other ‘last-mile’ delivery companies follow suit.

Is an Electric Vehicle right for my business?

Thinking about leasing an Electric Van for your business? Want to improve your brand’s green credentials? Or maybe you’re just fed up paying out for Clean Air Zone charges.

At Global Vans we have over 18 years of experience in leasing vans for business, and we can talk you through which Electric Vans may be right for you. Need more information? Contact us to speak to one of our van specialists