Amazon launches its first UK micromobility hub in central London
Amazon has launched its first UK micromobility hub with a fleet of electric cargo bikes set to complete last-mile deliveries in central London.
E-cargo bikes and walkers from the new hub, along with Amazon’s electric fleet already on London’s roads, will make over five million deliveries a year across more than 10% of London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone postcode districts.
Working with the London Borough of Hackney, Amazon plans to make more than one million customer deliveries every year from the hub, adding to the millions of deliveries already being completed by its electric vans. The new fleet of e-cargo bikes and walkers will directly replace thousands of traditional van trips on London’s roads and reduce traffic congestion.
Amazon has over 1,000 electric delivery vans on the road in the UK, and Its fleet of zero emission vehicles will expand further as more e-cargo delivery hubs are expected to launch across UK in the coming months. Amazon also recently announced five new fully electric Heavy Goods Vehicles. These 37-tonne vehicles are among the first in the UK, the first in Amazon’s fleet, and replace traditional diesel trucks.
John Boumphrey, UK Country Manager, Amazon said, “Amazon is driving towards a global net-zero carbon future. One way we’re doing that is through the transformation of our transportation networks. 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 in the coming months.
Cllr Mete Coban, Hackney Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “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.”
Amazon has also unveiled plans to roll out large scale solar panel installations at facilities based in Manchester, Coalville, Haydock, Bristol and Milton Keynes before the end of this year, to help power those facilities with renewable energy. Amazon will double the number of on-site solar energy projects in the UK by 2024.
These initiatives move the company closer to its Shipment Zero mission – to deliver 50% of Amazon shipments with net-zero carbon by 2030 – and the ultimate goal of being net-zero carbon by 2040.