Out the Box

Amazon debuts e-cargo bikes and walkers in London

The retailer aims to see more than five million deliveries a year carried out by e-cargo bikes and walkers.

Amazon has launched its first UK micro-mobility hub for more sustainable deliveries in central London, including e-cargo bikesand walkers.

WHAT’S THE CONCEPT?

Sustainability is the name of the game for any self-respecting tech company these days. Amazon’s new plans for the new hub aims to see over five million deliveries a year across more than 10% of London’ Ultra Low Emission Zone be handled by e-cargo bikes and walkers, along with the company’s electric fleet already in operation.

The aim is for this means of delivery to directly replace thousands of traditional van trips of London’s roads. The tech giant has created the new hub in collaboration with the London Borough of Hackney and is set to expand its fleet of zero-emission vehicles further as more e-cargo delivery hubs are expected to launch across the UK in the coming months.

WHAT’S THE BIG PICTURE?

“Our new e-cargo bikes, walkers and growing electric vehicle delivery fleet will help us make more zero-emission customer deliveries than ever before across London and the UK,” said John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon.

The initiative is in line with the company’s ambition deliver 50% of Amazon shipments with net-zero carbon by 2030, along with the ultimate goal of being net-zero carbon by 2040 – 10 years ahead of the Paris Agreement.

To this end, it has also announced plans to have more than 30,000 new modular solar panels installed on its facilities in Manchester, Coalville, Haydock, Bristol and Milton Keynes by the end of the year.

The company has confirmed 18 on-site solar projects in the UK and plans to more than double the number of projects by 2024.

This investment supports Amazon on its path to power its operations with 100% renewable energy by 2025 – five years ahead of its 2030 commitment.

Once operational, the new rooftop solar panel projects are expected to produce more than 13,000 MWh of electricity, enough to power the equivalent of more than 3,500 UK homes each year.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?

Trudy Harrison, Transport Minister, said: “Industry and government are both working hard to achieve our net zero goals and support the growth of sustainable transport that will help create economic opportunities and support thousands of jobs across the UK. Amazon’s plans will not only boost green job opportunities, but ensure that customers will continue to receive their packages while working to protect our planet from climate change.”

Energy Minister, Greg Hands, added: “It is great to see Amazon taking the lead in moving away from expensive fossil fuels. This is a fantastic vote of confidence from Amazon in British energy security, renewables and electric vehicles, and a huge boon for green jobs across the UK.”

Councillor Mete Coban, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, commented: “Tackling transport emissions is key if we’re to reach net zero. We’re really pleased to have worked with Amazon to support them to take traditional vans off the streets and replace them with e-cargo bikes. This will help to reduce emissions and improve air quality for people in Hackney and beyond.”

ARE OTHER RETAILERS FOLLOWING SUIT?

Becoming sustainable in every way is at the top of every company’s agenda. Going back to basics is often a good way of taking the first step; we recently reported on Co-op’s decision to re-introduce walking deliveries. UberEats and Deliveroo have already been doing bike deliveries for some years now.

It’s unclear whether other retailers are considering similar plans, but ditching traditional vans for more planet-friendly options might just be the way forward.