Abstract

The purpose of the present paper is to present some sustainable solutions for urban logistics. The approach is to identify the present challenges for urban logistics caused by the increase of freight volumes due to the development of e-commerce. To meet them, companies’ sustainable practices were analyzed and the utilization of new electric power train technologies seem to offer interesting results for reducing carbon emission impacts. Using methods of literature review and experiences from ongoing electric mobile research projects, this paper argues that electric vehicles in urban distribution are a yet underestimated element towards more efficient transport processes—hence economic advantages for companies, towards the reduction of a company’s footprint and even towards an increased service level for the customers.

Highlights

  • Sustainable urban logistics has received much attention in recent years, due to continuously increasing freight volumes in e-commerce

  • Using methods of literature review and experiences from ongoing electric mobile research projects, this paper argues that electric vehicles in urban distribution are a yet underestimated element towards more efficient transport processes— economic advantages for companies, towards the reduction of a company’s footprint and even towards an increased service level for the customers

  • The increasing importance of this distribution channel leads to increased freight volumes—especially in urban areas, to increased traffic and pollution within these areas

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Summary

Introduction

Sustainable urban logistics has received much attention in recent years, due to continuously increasing freight volumes in e-commerce. Online shopping is a modern retail channel which, in alignment with the global trend of urbanization, leads to increased commercial traffic, congestions and pollution in areas with dense population. New electric power trains in vehicles provide an opportunity towards emission free transport. This new technology is mostly not considered within companies’ sustainable initiatives, yet. The present paper presents key challenges of e-commerce and an approach towards sustainable urban logistics by using electric vehicles and by further integration of all participants within the transport chain, which corresponds with companies’ sustainable initiatives

E-Commerce and Its Challenges
Sustainable Supply Chain Practices
Urban Logistics and Electric Vehicles
Findings
Conclusion

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