For the first time in the UK, Amazon is introducing five electric Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to its delivery fleet.

The 37-tonne fully-electric lorries are currently hauling supplies on battery power from Amazon's fulfillment centers in Tilbury and Milton Keynes. The five vehicles are the first of nine electric heavy-duty vehicles that will be available by the end of 2022.

The vehicles replace diesel HGVs, resulting in up to 100,000 yearly road miles driven on renewable electricity rather than diesel, avoiding the emission of 170 tonnes of CO2.

Amazon's first electric HGVs in the UK and Europe are a significant step toward electrifying its fleet, with the company aiming to deliver 50% of shipments with zero emissions by 2030.

John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager, said that Amazon is one of the first firms in the world to put electric heavy goods vehicles on the road. They've set a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2040, and this is a significant step toward that goal as they continue to decarbonize their transportation network and deliver more customer orders using zero-emission trucks.

Eelco van Veen, DAF Trucks Director Fleet Sales, said that they’re thrilled to welcome the DAF CF Electric HGV into Amazon's fleet and support their commitment to The Climate Pledge. The DAF CF Electric truck is a significant step forward in the industry's pursuit of zero-emission middle-mile distribution.