An EV Milestone: Amazon Reduces Scope 3 Emissions

Amazon’s ambitious deployment of 10,000 EVs in its Indian delivery fleet, achieved more than a year ahead of schedule, represents a pivotal step in the company’s strategy to reduce Scope 3 emissions.

The milestone aligns with Amazon’s broader objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions across its global operations by 2040 under ‘The Climate Pledge.’

Expanding an EV network across India

Amazon’s EV fleet now operates in over 500 cities, including major hubs such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as remote areas like Leh and Gangtok. The expansive network highlights Amazon’s commitment to mitigating indirect emissions associated with its logistics and distribution systems.

Abhinav Singh, Vice President of Operations at Amazon India, stated: “Having more than 10,000 electric vehicles in our fleet and successfully testing long-range electric trucks are achievements that we are very proud of at Amazon.

"As a company and country, we must transition to zero tailpipe emission trucks to meet India’s net zero goals and cut reliance on diesel freight.”

Collaboration driving EV adoption

Amazon has partnered with leading manufacturers, including Volvo Eicher, Tata Motors and Altigreen, to design and deploy customised EVs suited to its operational needs. To further ease the transition, Amazon has committed to providing affordable financing solutions for electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers and trucks, reducing financial barriers for its delivery partners.

The company spearheads innovation by testing long-range electric heavy trucks along the 350km Bengaluru-Chennai highway under The Climate Pledge’s Laneshift Initiative.

The pilot project, the Laneshift-India EV Freight Corridor (LIEVFC), aims to establish a network of connected EV freight highways, fostering job creation and collaboration among diverse stakeholders to advance EV adoption in India.

A holistic approach to sustainability

Beyond EV deployment, Amazon’s sustainability agenda in India includes groundbreaking water management initiatives. It aims to become water-positive by 2027, pledging to return more water to local communities than it consumes. Efforts to restore Bengaluru’s Yamare Lake and Hyderabad’s Sai Reddy Lake have replenished over 571 million litres of water.

Amazon’s water stewardship strategy is built on three pillars: watershed restoration, providing access to clean water and enhancing community water efficiency. The efforts are complemented by strides in waste reduction, such as the removal of single-use, thin-film plastic packaging in 2020 — a move that has eliminated over 5,300 tonnes of plastic waste.

Supporting biodiversity and local communities

Through its ‘Right Now Climate Fund,’ Amazon has launched three major projects in India. The initiatives focus on nature-based solutions that bolster climate resilience, benefit local communities and preserve biodiversity in the Asia-Pacific region.

By integrating the projects into its broader sustainability strategy, Amazon addresses pressing environmental challenges while supporting societal well-being.

Amazon’s multifaceted sustainability strategy, encompassing EV deployment, water management and waste reduction, sets a high standard for businesses worldwide.

Abhinav notes: “These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to innovation and collaboration in addressing the most pressing environmental challenges. Investing in sustainable solutions contributes to a greener future for India and beyond.”

Amazon’s achievements in India illustrate the company’s ability to align business growth with environmental responsibility. From reducing emissions with EVs to restoring vital water resources, Amazon’s comprehensive approach offers a blueprint for global enterprises to integrate sustainability into their operations.

As the efforts continue to scale, Amazon’s leadership sets a compelling example for fostering a sustainable future.

Make sure you check out the latest industry news and insights at Scope 3 Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Sustainability LIVE and Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today. Subscribe to the Scope 3 Magazine newsletter.​​​​​​​

Scope 3 Magazine is a BizClik brand. ​​​​​​​