Fleet Electrification & Cold Chain Logistics: A Smart Approach to Last-Mile Deliveries

Fleet electrification and cold chain logistics are reshaping last-mile delivery. As Europe accelerates the transition to electric vans, ensuring a stable cold chain for perishable goods presents both challenges and opportunities.

With strict environmental regulations and ambitious sustainability goals, retailers are rethinking their logistics strategies to ensure fresh and frozen products reach consumers efficiently and sustainably.

Europe’s Push for Sustainable Last-Mile Delivery

European countries are leading the transition to eco-friendly urban logistics. For instance, the European Green Deal aims to cut CO₂ emissions, and many cities—including Amsterdam, Paris, and London—have implemented low-emission zones, pushing retailers to switch to electric fleets.

Key industry players already making moves

• DHL Express Spain has added 46 Ford E-Transit electric vans to its fleet, advancing toward its goal of making 75% of urban pickups and deliveries zero-emission by 2030. (Source)
• Amazon placed its largest-ever order for electric trucks, purchasing over 200 Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 for its European operations. This aligns with its Climate Pledge goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. (Source)

Economic Incentives for Electric Van Adoption in Europe

Beyond sustainability, electrifying last-mile delivery fleets also makes economic sense. Moreover, lower electricity costs and reduced maintenance on EVs lead to long-term savings.

Key incentives for businesses investing in electric vans

In Germany, EVs remain exempt from road tax for 10 years, and companies investing in electric fleets qualify for tax reliefs.
Meanwhile, in France, businesses incorporating EVs into their fleets can access tax exemptions.
As for Spain, the MOVES Flotas program provides funding for electric vehicle acquisition and charging infrastructure.

Challenges of Cold Chain Logistics in Electric Vans

• Battery Consumption – Running traditional refrigeration systems on an EV drains battery power quickly, reducing range and requiring frequent recharging.
• Charging Infrastructure – Most public EV chargers are not designed for the extra energy needs of refrigerated vans, making route planning more complex.
• High Investment Costs – Equipping electric vans with refrigeration units increases purchase and maintenance costs, making retailers seek cost-effective alternatives.

Fleet Electrification and Passive Cooling in  Cold Chain Logistics

To overcome these challenges, many retailers are adopting passive cooling technologies, which maintain the cold chain without drawing power from the vehicle.

Key solutions include:

• Advanced Insulated Packaging – Uses high-performance materials to keep goods at the right temperature.
• Cold Packs / Phase Change Materials (PCMs) – Absorb/release heat at set temperatures, ensuring stable conditions for perishable goods.
• Reusable Thermal Containers – Reduce waste and provide consistent temperature control for multiple deliveries.

Why Passive Packaging is a Game-Changer for EV Fleets

✔ Lightweight Design – Unlike traditional refrigeration systems, passive packaging reduces vehicle weight. As a result, this improvement allos EVs to maximize range.

✔ Temperature Modularity – Retailers can create up to three distinct temperature zones in one van, efficiently delivering chilled, frozen, and ambient products.

✔ Lower Costs – Passive packaging eliminates the need for mechanical cooling, reducing operational expenses.

✔ Eco-Friendly – Made from polystyrene, polyurethane, or vacuum-insulated panels, passive packaging lowers energy consumption and reduces CO₂ emissions.

Retailers integrating passive cooling with electric vans can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and cost savings. Consequently, last-mile delivery operations become more reliable.

Alternative Sustainable Delivery Methods

Beyond fleet electrification, European retailers are embracing low-carbon delivery solutions:

• Cargo Bikes & E-Trikes – Ideal for urban areas, these vehicles reduce congestion and support emission-free deliveries when equipped with passive cooling containers.
• Additionally, strategically located Urban Micro-Hubs shorten delivery distances and improve sustainability.

Conclusion: The Future of Cold Chain Logistics in Last-Mile Delivery

The combination of electric delivery vans and passive cooling solutions presents a scalable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly approach to last-mile cold chain logistics.

✔ Helps retailers meet environmental regulations

✔ Ensures fresh and frozen goods reach customers efficiently

✔ Reduces long-term costs and carbon footprint

How will fleet electrification and cold chain logistics impact your last-mile operations? Let’s discuss!