Towards a Sustainable Supply Chain: Last-Mile Vehicles.

SPARX Logistics brings you the developments, trends, and ecological perspectives from December 2023 to april 2024, aiming to strengthen and create more sustainable supply chains. These efforts align with the measures and solutions our company has implemented to enhance sustainability in our clients' logistics and supply chains.

In line with the trend of transforming supply chains to make them more environmentally friendly, several large logistics companies have begun to implement the use of trucks powered by biofuels, hydrogen, and natural gas in last-mile deliveries. These alternatives are more environmentally friendly and efficient compared to conventional fuels, thus helping to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in operational areas.

• Use of Biofuels in Last-Mile Trucks

Biofuels represent a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for last-mile trucks. They are derived from organic materials such as vegetable oil, animal fats, and agricultural waste. Biofuels are cleaner than fossil fuels, generating fewer greenhouse gas emissions and atmospheric pollutants.

• Use of Hydrogen in Last-Mile Trucks

Hydrogen is another sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for last-mile trucks. It is produced from water and electricity and does not emit harmful emissions during use. Hydrogen is a highly efficient energy source and can be stored in tanks for use in vehicles.

• Use of Natural Gas in Last-Mile Trucks

Natural gas is a cleaner fossil fuel compared to oil and coal. It is extracted from underground deposits of methane gas. Natural gas produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil fuels and is relatively abundant as an energy source.

Advantages of Using Eco-Friendly Vehicles in Last-Mile Delivery

Using eco-friendly vehicles in last-mile delivery offers several benefits, including:

• Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Eco-friendly vehicles emit fewer greenhouse gases than conventional vehicles, contributing to combating climate change.
• Improved Air Quality: Eco-friendly vehicles emit fewer air pollutants, thereby improving air quality in operational areas.
• Reduced Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Eco-friendly vehicles help decrease reliance on finite fossil fuel resources.
• Improved Transport Efficiency: Eco-friendly vehicles tend to be more efficient, potentially reducing transportation costs.

Challenges in Adopting Eco-Friendly Vehicles for Last-Mile Delivery

The adoption of eco-friendly vehicles for last-mile delivery also faces challenges, such as:

• High Cost: Eco-friendly vehicles are often more expensive than traditional vehicles.
• Limited Infrastructure: Infrastructure for refueling eco-friendly vehicles is still limited in many areas.
• Limited Range: Some eco-friendly vehicles, like those using hydrogen, have limited operational range.

Using eco-friendly vehicles in last-mile delivery is an important step in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality. With technological advancements and decreasing costs, these vehicles are likely to play an increasingly crucial role in supply chains.