Electrifying Logistics and Delivery Fleets

Industry leaders in logistics and delivery are already making the move to electrification. Image courtesy of Envirotech Vehicles.

By Jason Maddox

Now is an excellent time for commercial logistics and delivery fleets to transition to zero-emission electric vehicles (EVs), including vans, trucks, and specialty vehicles, instead of traditional gas- or diesel-powered alternatives.

Electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly reduce operational costs, making them ideal for high-mileage commercial fleets like transport and delivery services. Fuel costs, a major expense in urban delivery routes characterized by frequent stop-and-go traffic, are considerably reduced with EVs. Additionally, EVs require minimal maintenance due to their simpler design with fewer moving parts and the absence of a combustion engine or oil. Another advantage is their ability to reduce noise pollution, making them an ideal choice for densely populated areas.

Now substantial financial incentives, which offset a large portion of the initial purchase price of an EV are playing a crucial role in accelerating the transition to electrification.

The Transition to Electric Fleets

Industry leaders in logistics and delivery are already making the move to electrification. For example, Amazon has been making significant strides in integrating electric vehicles into its delivery operations as part of its sustainability goals. The company has committed to deploying a large fleet of custom electric delivery vehicles, with thousands already in service. Amazon also recently made a major investment in electric heavy goods vehicles, adding a significant number of electric trucks to its fleet.

Other logistics and delivery companies are adopting electric vehicles as part of their sustainability initiatives as well. For instance, some firms have incorporated EVs into their fleets and implemented solar-powered technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. These efforts represent a broader shift across the logistics industry toward environmentally friendly practices.

There are numerous advantages to using EVs for commercial fleets. Logistics fleets can significantly cut fuel expenses while avoiding the unpredictability of fluctuating fuel prices. Electric vehicles (EVs) equipped with electric drivetrains require less maintenance and offer greater longevity compared to traditional combustion engine vehicles. EVs also operate with less noise and vibration, making them ideal for early-morning or late-night deliveries and improving comfort for drivers on long hauls.

Features like regenerative braking help capture and reuse energy lost during braking, extending a vehicle’s range, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. Combined with improved battery technology, many commercial electric vehicles now offer up to 150 miles per charge, a distance far greater than the daily mileage driven by most delivery vehicles.

Financial Incentives

Some firms have incorporated EVs into their fleets and implemented solar-powered technologies to improve operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. Image courtesy of Envirotech Vehicles.

The financial rationale for electrifying commercial delivery fleets is also extremely compelling, with several states offering substantial financial rebates or tax credits that reduce upfront purchase costs.

Industry sources highlight the increasing demand across the United States to electrify delivery fleets, spurred by incentives at the state and federal levels.

Noteworthy programs include California’s Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project (HVIP), which offers significant rebates on the base vehicle ranging from $20,000 to $240,000, depending on the type of vehicle purchased.

The New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program (NJ ZIP) offers vouchers towards the purchase of new, zero-emission vehicles ranging from $20,000 to $175,000, depending on the class of vehicle. NJ ZIP is a $90 million voucher pilot launched by the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) for medium- and heavy-duty zero-emission vehicles. The pilot is funded by the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative proceeds allocated to NJEDA for the purpose of reducing harmful emissions, particularly in communities disproportionately impacted by transportation emissions, and creating economic opportunity within the state.

Experts note that thanks to California’s HVIP and New Jersey’s NJ ZIP incentives, small business owners in those states can significantly reduce the upfront costs to purchase electric vans and trucks.

Additionally, states such as Texas, New York, Oregon, Washington, and Colorado are also offering rebates for commercial EVs. Other countries, including Canada, provide a range of subsidies and incentives to support similar initiatives.

The advantages of electrifying commercial fleets, combined with these incentives, are spurring early interest and orders. As an example, Osceola, Arkansas-based Envirotech Vehicles (NASDAQ:EVTV) announced in January 2025 that it has taken orders for vehicles for customers that have been awarded vouchers under the New Jersey Zero Emission Incentive Program.

U.S.-based manufacturers have moved beyond concepts and early prototypes to full production.

Like the most popular consumer electric vehicles, many of these commercial EVs utilize a combination of aluminum for the body and high-strength steel in its construction. Aluminum reduces vehicle weight significantly, which means less energy is required to move the bus and increases vehicle range. A lighter vehicle also enhances acceleration, braking, and handling. The aluminum body is 95% recyclable, much like a large soda can.

To support these initiatives, Envirotech offers a variety of electric delivery vans and truck types that accommodate a range of delivery and logistics requirements and environments.

Vans 

Various types of vans are available, including options for logistics, deliveries, passenger transportation, and ADA-accessible vehicles.

The compact size and maneuverability of logistics vans make them suitable for navigating narrow streets and congested urban areas. These vehicles are integral to supply chain operations, particularly for last-mile delivery, moving inventory between warehouses, and serving retail and e-commerce operations.

Cutaway vans typically feature a cab and chassis that can be modified into box trucks, shuttle buses, ambulances, or other specialty vehicles. Their adaptability makes them popular in logistics, transportation, and utility services.

Urban Trucks 

Urban trucks are medium-sized vehicles specifically built for city use, offering enough space for deliveries while being easy to drive through crowded streets. Their compact design and agility make them perfect for city centers with narrow roads and stop-and-go traffic.

Urban trucks are highly suited for e-commerce and parcel services, efficiently handling large volumes of small package deliveries. They are also widely utilized for transporting goods to stores and customers within city areas.

Additionally, compact vehicles designed for garbage and recycling collection cater specifically to urban environments. For construction purposes, these trucks are used to transport tools, materials, and equipment to job sites located in cities.

Right-hand drive vehicles are also available to facilitate a range of services such as delivering mail/packages on the curbside, garbage collection, street sweeping, or for utility service operators who need better visibility or access to the curb.

Specialty Vehicles

A wide range of specialty vehicles are also available, including electric forklifts, sweepers, and “Zipper” vehicles, a type of nimble vehicle used for efficient transport and management of goods within warehouses.

Industry analysts emphasize that the transition to electric vehicles represents a pivotal opportunity for commercial logistics and delivery fleets. With substantial operational cost savings, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced efficiency, EVs present a compelling case for businesses ready to innovate and align with modern sustainability goals.

Jason Maddox is President of Envirotech Vehicles, a provider of new zero-emission, purpose-built electric vehicles for commercial and last-mile delivery fleets, school districts, public and private transportation service companies, colleges, and universities. For more information, visit https://evtvusa.com/, email merrick@evtvusa.com, or call (870) 970-3355.