Amazon has put five fully electric HGVs into operation on UK roads. The 37-tonne DAF HGVs are now operating out of its fulfilment centres in Tilbury and Milton Keynes.

Amazon estimate that these vehicles will replace up to 100,000 annual diesel road miles, reducing its carbon emissions by 170 tonnes of CO2e.

By the end of the year, Amazon will be operating nine fully-electric HGVs as well as its more than 1000 electric final mile delivery vans in the UK. The HGVs, built by DAF Trucks, are the first Amazon have put on the road in the UK and Europe.

As well as the HGVs themselves, Amazon has invested in new, ultra-fast, 360kW electric charging points at the fulfilment centres, which will come into operation later in the year. These will maximise the vehicles’ on-the-road time.

John Boumphrey, Amazon UK Country Manager, said: “Amazon is one of the first companies in the world to put electric heavy goods trucks on the road. We’re committed to becoming net-zero carbon by 2040, and this is a milestone as we continue to decarbonise our transportation network so we can deliver more customer orders using zero emissions vehicles.”

Eelco van Veen, DAF Trucks Director Fleet Sales, said: “We are excited to bring the DAF CF Electric HGV into Amazon’s fleet and support their commitment towards The Climate Pledge. The DAF CF Electric truck represents an important step in the industry towards zero emission middle mile distribution.”

Investment Minister, Lord Grimstone, said: “This is further proof that the UK’s logistics sector continues to be at the forefront of efforts to electrify fleets and transition to zero emissions vehicles.

“Amazon’s introduction of its first-ever fully electric heavy goods vehicles in their UK fleet is fantastic news not only for their customers but for our wider efforts to end our contribution to climate change and transition to cleaner modes of transport.”