Amazon Orders 200 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 Electric Trucks

Key Highlights:

• Amazon has ordered 200 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 electric trucks for Germany and the UK, its largest electric truck order so far.
• The eActros 600 has a range of 500 km (311 miles) and will operate on Amazon's high-mileage delivery routes.
• This order supports Amazon's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
• Amazon is installing 360 kW fast chargers at its sites, enabling trucks to charge from 20% to 80% in under an hour.
• Public charging infrastructure for electric trucks in the UK and Germany remains a challenge, but Amazon is working with regulators to improve it.

Amazon has placed its largest order for electric trucks yet, ordering 200 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 heavy goods vehicles from Daimler. These electric trucks will serve the German and UK markets, with plans to join Amazon's network later this year. 

The eActros trucks will operate on high-mileage routes across Amazon's middle-mile network, which connects fulfilment centres, sort centres, and delivery stations.

A Step Toward Sustainability

Andreas Marschner, Amazon's Vice President of Worldwide Operations Sustainability, highlighted that decarbonizing the heavy goods sector is one of the toughest challenges in transportation. This order supports Amazon’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its operations by 2040.

Features of the eActros 600

The 40-ton eActros 600 boasts a range of 500 km (311 miles), which makes it suitable for Amazon's demanding delivery network. Despite being more expensive than traditional diesel trucks, the eActros 600 meets Amazon’s needs for sustainable logistics.

Building Charging Infrastructure

To support the roll-out, Amazon is building a 360 kilowatt fast charger network at its own sites, which can charge a truck from 20% to 80% in less than an hour. Marschner mentioned that Amazon is also working to boost charging infrastructure in the European Union and the United Kingdom, though public charging options remain limited.

Overcoming Challenges

Marschner noted that major transportation corridors in the UK and Germany still lack the high-capacity public charging needed for electric trucks, making it difficult to fully utilize these new vehicles. However, Amazon is collaborating with charging companies and regulators to speed up infrastructure development.

Also Read: FADA to Host 13th Edition of Auto Summit on January 18, 2025

CMV360 Says

Amazon's decision to order 200 eActros 600 electric trucks marks a positive step toward sustainable logistics. While the challenges of limited public charging infrastructure persist, Amazon's investment in its fast-charging network demonstrates a proactive approach. This move could encourage further advancements in electric trucking and pave the way for broader adoption in the industry. 

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