Amazon India launches EV lease program for its last-mile delivery partners 

Online retailer Amazon has launched its global last-mile fleet program in India with 100% electric vehicles (EVs), a global first for the company.

The program enables Delivery Service Partners (DSPs) to lease a fleet of tailored three-wheeler EVs through a fleet management company. DSPs will get access to zero emission electric vehicles that are safe and custom-designed for Amazon deliveries. Over 300 Amazon DSPs are to soon commence deliveries using zero-emission three-wheelers and vans. 

Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner program essentially empowers aspiring entrepreneurs to build their own last-mile delivery business capabilities from the ground up, with support infrastructure, technology, and a suite of services. This has enabled many entrepreneurs to create thriving small businesses and deliver to Amazon India’s customers across the country.

The fleet program will also assist DSPs in the maintenance, charging, and parking of these EVs. The vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features, ensuring the well-being of Amazon’s delivery partners and the communities they cater to. Data generated by the vehicles allows the company to optimise deliveries for safety and punctuality. The India fleet launches ahead of Diwali, and more electric three- and four-wheelers will be added to the fleet over time.

"We are committed to be net-zero carbon by 2040, and decarbonising our delivery network is an important part of getting us to that goal,” said Abhinav Singh, Vice-President of Operations, Amazon India. He added, “By launching the last-mile fleet programme with an all-electric fleet in India, we help our delivery service partners decarbonise with us. We’re delighted that India is the first country where we are able to do this.”

Deploying Mahindra Zor Grand three-wheelers for last-mile deliveries

In the initial phase, Amazon India has introduced Mahindra Zor Grand three-wheeler EVs equipped with specialised enhancements for its last-mile deliveries. The zero emission Mahindra Zor Grand, which can travel at speeds up to 50kph and cover over 100km on a single charge, is also equipped with telematics and safety technology, providing real-time data on vehicle performance, driving behaviour, and critical safety metrics. The Amazon model also features safety customisations such as digital rear-view cameras.

Amazon India, in the initial phase of the program, has introduced the Mahindra Zor Grand e-three-wheeler equipped with specialised enhancements for its last-mile deliveries.

“We are excited to be a part of Amazon’s journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future in last-mile logistics. With zero tailpipe emissions and reliability at the core, our Mahindra Zor Grand will not only enhance cargo delivery efficiency but also contribute to improved air quality and lower driver fatigue,” said Suman Mishra, MD and CEO of Mahindra Last Mile Mobility.

“These vehicles will raise the bar for last-mile delivery services, helping us deliver packages to our customers safely, reliably and efficiently,” said Tom Chempananical, Director Global Fleet and Products, Amazon.

Amazon states that it continues to seek new ways to electrify its fleet, partner with vehicle manufacturers, fleet management experts, delivery partners, charging point operators, and financing companies.

“Programs like this go a long way in decarbonising the last-mile delivery operations and will pave the way to encourage more innovation and adoption of such solutions. We compliment Amazon and will be proud of them as they work out an aspirational and clear roadmap for this transition and bring more vehicle segments into it,” added Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha, Adviser, NITI Aayog.

Amazon targets deployment of 10,000 EVs in India by 2025

Since kicking off operations with electric vehicles in India, Amazon has deployed more than 6,000 EVs to deliver packages in over 400 cities across India. The company is on track to achieve its goal of having 10,000 such zero-emission vehicles in the India fleet by 2025. 

In January 2020, Amazon India had announced that its fleet of delivery vehicles in the country will include 10,000 EVs by 2025. This commitment came after the online retailer conducted successful pilots across different cities in 2019. These EVs are in addition to the global commitment of 100,000 electric vehicles in the delivery fleet by 2030 announced in the Climate Pledge signed by Amazon.

With road freight being a major contributor to carbon emissions and pollution, The Climate Pledge – co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism – has recently committed $10 million to C40 Cities to launch Laneshift, a plan to reimagine what zero-emission freight shipping looks like across major cities in Latin America and India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Pune. 

The Laneshift project reimagines what zero-emission freight shipping will look like and will reduce carbon emissions by replacing conventional road freight vehicles with electric alternatives, along with the routes they travel.  

Images:courtesy Amazon

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