Eicher, Amazon collaborate to deploy electric trucks for middle and last-mile deliveries

Eicher Trucks and Buses, a division of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, have announced a collaborative effort with Amazon to advance electric truck utilization for middle and last-mile deliveries in India. This initiative seeks to introduce a substantial fleet of up to 1,000 zero-emission electric trucks across diverse payload categories into Amazon's delivery network over the next five years. This partnership will be facilitated through Amazon's transport service partners, as stated by VE Commercial Vehicles (VECV).

In the preliminary phase, Amazon will initiate the deployment of 50 Eicher electric trucks in key hubs including Delhi, Manesar, and Gurugram. The primary objective of this collaboration is to foster an eco-friendly transportation framework while bolstering efficient last-mile logistics. VECV's Managing Director and CEO, Vinod Aggarwal, affirmed that this alliance underscores their dedication to cultivating sustainable solutions in the transportation sector.

Amazon India's Vice-President for Customer Fulfillment, Amazon Transportation Services, Global Specialty Fulfillment, and Supply Chain, Abhinav Singh, expressed an ongoing commitment to incorporate a substantial 10,000 electric vehicles (EVs) into their delivery fleet by 2025. Singh extended an invitation to other pioneers and solution providers in the electric mobility domain to join efforts in expediting the logistics industry's transition towards decarbonization.

Eicher's electric trucks will feature advanced digital capabilities, constructed upon their pre-existing electric vehicle platform, which has already proven effective in bus applications. These trucks, with deck lengths ranging from 8 to 24 feet, will be equipped with customizable cargo stacking configurations. Moreover, a range of fast and slow charging alternatives will be made available to cater to specific operational requirements.

The overall service proposition also encompasses a meticulous evaluation of charging infrastructure availability, operational necessities, battery capacity, charging time constraints, and comprehensive energy management strategies for the fleet. This endeavour signifies a significant stride towards achieving sustainable and efficient last-mile delivery operations, thereby contributing to the broader objective of reducing carbon emissions within the logistics industry.