Amazon has placed its largest-ever single order for electric trucks, securing over 200 eActros 600 vehicles from Daimler Trucks.
These long-haul electric trucks will be used in Amazon’s middle-mile logistics operations in the UK and Germany later this year.
Additionally, Amazon has ordered Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks for its UK operations, signaling a significant step towards decarbonizing its transport network.
To support the new fleet, Amazon plans to install 360 kW chargers at key locations. These chargers can replenish the battery of a 40-tonne truck from 20% to 80% in just over an hour.
While Amazon has not disclosed the specific locations or the number of chargers, it emphasized collaborating with stakeholders to develop external charging points for longer routes.
The eActros 600s are expected to handle the transportation of over 350 million packages annually, connecting Amazon’s fulfilment centres, sorting hubs, and delivery stations.
Of the 200 trucks ordered, 140 will join Amazon’s UK fleet within 18 months, while the remaining 60 are destined for Germany.
Amazon’s UK fleet expansion includes eight Volvo FM Battery Electric trucks, supported partially by the UK’s Department for Transport and Innovate UK through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) program.
Nicola Fyfe, Amazon’s EU Vice President of Logistics, highlighted the broader sustainability efforts, stating:
“Decarbonising our transport network is key to achieving our net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2040. This order, combined with our other initiatives like using the UK’s electric rail network and electric vans, will significantly reduce emissions across our operations.”
In Germany, Amazon will deploy more than 50 eActros 600 trucks and currently operates over 600 Rivian electric delivery vans.
This follows Amazon’s earlier commitment to bring 300 Rivian vans to Germany, part of its 2019 deal to acquire 100,000 Rivian vehicles globally by the end of the decade.
Daimler Trucks unveiled the eActros 600 in October 2023, featuring over 600 kWh of battery capacity and a 500-kilometre range.
Equipped with a new electric drive axle and capable of megawatt charging, the eActros 600 sets a new standard in sustainable logistics.
Series production began in November 2023 at Daimler’s Wörth facility, marking a milestone in integrating electric and combustion engine manufacturing.
Karin Rådström, Chairwoman of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, remarked:
“We are thrilled Amazon has chosen the eActros 600, a gamechanger for sustainable transportation.”
Amazon plans to invest over €1 billion in electrifying and decarbonizing its European transport network, including €400 million in Germany.
The company aims to expand its electric truck fleet in Europe from 38 to over 1,500 vehicles, with more than 500 operating in Germany.
Amazon also targets a fleet of 10,000 electric delivery vans across Europe, underscoring its commitment to sustainable logistics and environmental responsibility.
