Efficient to the Last-Mile: Evaluating Delivery Fleets to Facilitate the Transition to Zero-Emission

The surge in urban delivery services, driven by digital advancements and shifting consumer behaviors, has significantly increased last-mile delivery emissions. Given the projections that these emissions could rise by 30% by 2030, there is an urgent need to transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs). 

Produced in partnership with CALSTART, a national nonprofit committed to driving innovation and progress in the transportation industry, this study delves into the intricacies of transitioning to ZEVs for last-mile operations. The research is designed to investigate the decision-making frameworks, logistical challenges, and motivations that influence the transition, including considerations such as charging infrastructure, vehicle availability, evolving business models in the EV space, policy incentives, urban built environments, and equity impacts. The project aims to provide actionable insights and targeted solutions that enable companies to right-size and green their urban delivery operations while leveraging potential synergies.

By employing a mixed-methods approach—combining stakeholder interviews and secondary research—this project uncovers critical insights into the fleet transition process. These insights help in understanding the complex dynamics at play in fleet-level decision-making, which are crucial for companies aiming to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of their last-mile delivery operations. The findings of this study offer a comprehensive roadmap and practical solutions highlighted through case studies of various organizations navigating their transitions. The report concludes with strategic recommendations tailored to assist companies in aligning their urban delivery operations with sustainability objectives.