IRU spoke to UPS about the real-world challenges of decarbonising logistics fleets. Without urgent investment in grid capacity, depot charging and energy storage, even the most advanced electric vehicles risk standing idle.
As Europe accelerates its decarbonisation agenda, logistics operators are investing heavily in zero-emission fleets. But for companies like UPS, the biggest challenge is no longer vehicle availability, it is the infrastructure needed to operate them at scale.
UPS Vice President, Hub and Feeder, Europe, Middle East, Africa and India, Reinhold Beutel, said, “In preparing for our 2050 carbon-neutrality target, we are making smart, future-focused investments in cleaner technologies and alternative fuels that benefit both our business and our customers. UPS is on track to meet its 2025 targets of 25% renewable electricity and 40% alternative fuel use, particularly in Europe’s urban delivery networks.
IRU member UPS operates a mixed fleet that reflects the complexity of the logistics sector. Its light commercial vehicles, or package cars, handle last-mile deliveries, while heavy-duty feeder trucks connect hubs and distribution centres. For now, electrification efforts focus primarily on light commercial vehicles, where the operational profile allows for overnight charging and more manageable daily ranges. (....)