Zalando are testing electric vehicles as a delivery transport in the latest sustainability move “Small Footprint. Big Benefit” aimed at accelerating their drive towards eco-friendly retailing.
Europe’s leading “fashion and lifestyle” marketplace have embarked upon a three-month-long pilot in Hamburg. It will see Zalando Plus loyalty programme members who opt-out for faster delivery receiving their goods the same or next day via environmentally friendly transport.
“Zalando is working on developing sustainable solutions for logistics. The new pilot in Hamburg is another important step along this path and we are delighted to be able to offer customers in Hamburg climate-friendly services. With over 600 charging stations in the city area, the Hanseatic city is an ideal place to test climate-friendly logistics concepts with our logistics partners.”
– Christian Scheffler, director Zalando premium logistics.
Zalando have partnered with automotive heavyweights including Mercedes, Nissan, Renault and a micro delivery vehicle from the manufacturer ARI Motors to fulfil the mission. The climate-friendly fleets’ drivers will take over the parcel delivery, on Zalando’s behalf, in the city area. The marketplace remains responsible for planning and proving the charging infrastructure, enabling the partners to test various models and operational processes for the use of e-mobility over the last mile.
Zalando are using the latest generation of electric vehicles powered by green electricity. A total of 24 vehicles are in use, which are easily recognisable in the urban area: they carry the Zalando Plus logo and the inscription “Small Footprint. Big Benefit.”
Over the next three months, Zalando will deliver several hundred parcels a day between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. with electric vehicles. Not only Zalando Plus customers benefit from the service: during the pilot, Zalando surprises customers in Hamburg with so-called “silent upgrades” where customers receive their parcels on the same day.