Chennai, May 19:
Amazon India has announced plans to deploy around 1,000 electric trucks across the country in collaboration with Eicher Trucks and Buses, marking one of the largest dedicated electric truck fleets in India’s e-commerce and quick commerce sectors. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable transportation while supporting the rapid expansion of Amazon Now operations.
As part of the partnership, VE Commercial Vehicles has developed the Eicher Pro-X, a compact electric truck designed specifically for high-frequency intra-city logistics. These trucks will be used to transport goods between Amazon’s fulfilment hubs on city outskirts and micro-fulfilment centres located closer to customers, ensuring faster deliveries.
Amazon has already deployed about 50 of these electric trucks and plans to scale the fleet to over 1,000 by 2028. The vehicles are expected to cover 100–180 km daily, with a fast-charging time of approximately 50 minutes, enabling multiple trips within urban areas. Initial deployment will begin in key cities including Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
The move aligns with Amazon’s broader expansion strategy for Amazon Now, which aims to deliver essential items—from groceries to electronics—within minutes. The company recently revealed plans to extend the service to 100 cities and establish over 1,000 micro-fulfilment centres across India, including Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Kolkata, and Kochi.
Amazon officials stated that the company has already deployed over 12,000 electric vehicles in India and continues to integrate sustainable mobility solutions into its logistics network. The collaboration with VECV, ongoing since 2022, reflects a joint effort to develop tailored electric transport solutions for e-commerce operations.
The initiative also contributes to Amazon’s long-term sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 under its Climate Pledge. With investments in renewable energy, water conservation, and eco-friendly packaging, the company continues to focus on reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing operational efficiency.