The future of sustainable logistics

Why Zero Emission Couriers are the Future of Sustainable Logistics.

Imagine this scene: You’re driving and listening to your favourite music. Suddenly, an enormous eighteen-wheeler appears. It’s emitting so much smoke that it completely blocks your view.

This scenario might seem like a stretch, but that heavily polluted eighteen-wheeler is the reality of many logistics companies.

The logistics industry contributes to 23% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, there is hope; keep reading to learn why.

Electric Vehicles: The Future of Logistics

The logistics industry is an essential part of the global economy. In 2020, the global logistics industry was estimated to be worth £7.3 trillion.

The industry is expected to grow to £10.2 trillion by 2027. Its contributions to global trade and e-commerce have revolutionised transportation. This has increased efficiency and productivity throughout the entire supply chain.

Courier services provide convenience and reliability to many. Large multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises, and individuals all benefit from them. The logistics industry provides businesses and individuals with access to an efficient system for delivering goods and services. It is reliable and seamless.

The logistics industry has become a major source of air pollution. It contributes 7% of global CO2 emissions. This is a problem that needs to be addressed.

Logistics operations cause noise pollution. This nuisance can have a detrimental effect on the health of nearby residents.

Because of this, consumers are now choosing to support companies that prioritise environmental sustainability in their operations.

Now, the industry is faced with a major challenge: reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution. Thankfully, this is where electric vehicles come in. One of the best recent technological advancements is the invention of electric vehicles.

Electric vehicles use electric motors for propulsion, rather than the gas-powered internal combustion engines found in many vehicles.

They can be powered by either an external power source, such as a collector system, or a battery.

This makes electric vehicles the obvious choice for companies looking to reduce their carbon output.

Electric Vehicles offer an easy, calm, safe and silent ride, without the extra steps of gear and control settings. They operate with 90% efficiency, which is significantly higher than the 40% produced by combustion engines.

This greater efficiency leads to more effective utilisation of battery energy. Even more interesting is how electric motors instantly turn into generators, recovering kinetic energy quickly and efficiently, protecting the environment.

Governments are increasingly promoting laws that incentivise the replacement of internal combustion vehicles with electric ones. This often takes the form of tax credits for organisations and individuals who make the switch.

Expectedly, businesses have started taking advantage of electric vehicles for delivery and logistics and electric mobility are becoming intertwined. Electric vehicles do not need frequent engine oil changes. Oil will no longer be the main energy source for the logistics industry.

Electric vehicles have a reduced environmental impact. They are becoming increasingly attractive for the logistics sector due to their lower operational costs than traditional ICE vehicles.

Resulting in companies becoming increasingly reliant on EVs for cargo and package transport.

Electric vehicles have a simplified design which makes it simple to add modern technologies. These technologies help to track and optimise fleet operations, resulting in reduced costs for last-minute deliveries.

EVs also increase logistics companies’ routing efficiency and create opportunities for their brand image.

E-commerce expansion has also caused an uptick in urban vehicle traffic due to reverse logistics. Trucks with combustion engines are commonly used to deliver packages and return items to warehouses. By switching to electric trucks, businesses could reduce costs and ensure more sustainable logistics practices.

The most popular argument against electric vehicles is that they tend to be expensive to acquire and require regular charging.

It is true that certain types of vehicles have cheaper maintenance. They also have increased energy efficiency and reduced fuel charges. As a result, businesses can experience substantial savings. Also, to address the issue of regular charging, many logistics companies may need to invest in their own charging infrastructure.

Ultra-Low Emission Zones

The UK government is making significant strides in reducing the country’s contribution to climate change while improving public health.

The Ultra-Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a London-based initiative that aims to reduce air pollution. It is one of many steps taken to achieve this goal.

The UK government found that Londoners are suffering health-wise due to poor air quality, largely resulting from vehicle emissions. To combat this, they initiated the ULEZ (£12.50) daily charge.

Vehicles must meet ULEZ standards to be driven in the ultra-low emission zone. Drivers of non-compliant vehicles must pay a daily charge to drive within the zone.

This initiative is in place to promote cleaner air. This is in addition to the Congestion Charge that encourages the use of low or zero-emission vehicles.

Starting from the 29th of August 2023, the ULEZ will expand into all of London’s boroughs.

This expansion into major cities will have a big effect on London’s logistics sector. Companies must switch to electric vehicles or pay expensive fees that could put them out of business.

Companies that adapt to the new reality will gain lasting success. On the other hand, those that don’t adapt will encounter major problems.

Specialising in time-bound courier services, eCourier is committed to providing services that keep you happy and satisfied. We specialise in medical delivery, same-day delivery, next-day and international delivery.

eCourier recognises its importance in London’s logistics industry. To reduce carbon emissions, they are acting, such as establishing Zero Emission zones.

The company is transitioning to electric vehicles by replacing end of life vehicles with greener alternatives. This is to end its reliance on non-sustainable vehicles.

eCourier acknowledges the benefits of using electric vehicles. These include better air quality, lower fuel costs, and reliable and quiet operation.

We aim to provide better delivery services. To achieve this, we believe electric vehicles are a smart, sustainable choice for the future. By introducing EVs to our motorcade, we’re making a deliberate effort to support a sustainable future for transportation and courier services.

We are also working on other sustainable, reliable, and eco-friendly options. This way, we can continue to provide the optimal service for which we are renowned.”