Amazon Goes Old World for New Electric Trucks

Amazon has taken a monumental step in its sustainability journey by placing its largest-ever order for electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs). The company has committed to purchasing over 200 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 trucks, which will be deployed in its middle-mile delivery network across the UK and Germany later this year. This record-breaking order represents a significant win for Mercedes-Benz Trucks, underscoring Amazon’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, as outlined in its Climate Pledge signed in 2019.

A New Chapter in Sustainable Logistics

This fleet expansion follows Amazon’s successful trial of an eActros 600 prototype at a logistics center in Germany. With over 140 trucks set to operate in the UK and more than 50 in Germany, the eHGVs will enhance Amazon’s growing fleet of 38 electric trucks already navigating European roads. The vehicles will focus on high-mileage routes connecting Amazon’s fulfillment centers, sort centers, and delivery stations, playing a pivotal role in reducing the carbon footprint of Amazon’s transportation network.

The eActros 600: Cutting-Edge Design and Performance

The eActros 600 is built for long-haul performance, boasting a 600-kilowatt-hour battery that offers a range of 310 miles (500 kilometers) under optimal conditions. Equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture, the truck delivers 536 horsepower, with a peak output of 805 horsepower, allowing it to haul up to 44,000 pounds while maintaining a gross combination weight (GCW) of 88,000 pounds.

Despite the impressive range, Mercedes-Benz Trucks emphasizes that the eActros 600 can travel over 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) daily with intermediate charging during mandatory driver breaks. Future retrofits with megawatt charging systems (MCS) will reduce charging time significantly, enabling the batteries to go from 20% to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Addressing Infrastructure Challenges

While the eActros 600 is a leap forward in electric trucking, the availability of charging infrastructure remains a major hurdle. To address this, Amazon has invested in 360kW electric charging points capable of powering heavy trucks from 20% to 80% in just over an hour. These charging facilities will be critical for ensuring the efficient operation of its growing electric fleet, especially in the UK, where there are currently only 300 electric eHGVs in a fleet of over 500,000 trucks and just one public charging station for heavy-duty vehicles.

Funding a Greener Future

The adoption of electric trucks is also supported by government initiatives. In the UK, Amazon’s transition to eHGVs received partial funding through a $76.5 million grant aimed at promoting zero-emission road freight. This builds on Amazon’s existing $366 million investment to electrify its fleet, which includes electric vans, trucks, e-cargo bikes, and even delivery walkers designed for urban package delivery.

The Road Ahead

The eActros 600 reflects Amazon’s commitment to sustainability and innovation in logistics. By integrating these advanced vehicles into its operations, Amazon is setting an example for the logistics industry while addressing the challenges of electrifying long-haul transportation. With its investments in infrastructure, partnerships with government programs, and cutting-edge technology, Amazon is not only reducing its environmental impact but also paving the way for broader adoption of electric trucking worldwide.

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Source:

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/amazon-goes-old-world-for-new-electric-trucks