Amazon’s recent announcement of a €1bn investment in electric vans, long-haul trucks and low-emission package hubs marks another big step towards decarbonising supply chains, e-commerce and last-mile delivery. What makes this announcement even more exciting is Amazon’s commitment to launch its first 20 electric HGVs in Germany before the year is out – a big move towards solving the tough “middle mile” challenge in freight. Volvo will provide the 40-tonne eHGVs, which can be charged in less than two hours.
New business models for a software-defined future
In an industry where tight margins demand creative solutions, electric vehicles (EVs) and software-defined development are driving new, intelligent systems. These systems enable constant interaction between users, devices and supply chains, creating a feedback loop that fosters continuous innovation. This loop is expected to accelerate everything from the expansion of charging infrastructure to the ability to update vehicles seamlessly through the cloud.
The evolution of transport and logistics is clearly headed towards an electric and software-driven future. If any doubts remained, GM CEO Mary Barra dispelled them during her keynote at CES in 2022. She announced several major partnerships across delivery, aviation and rail, highlighting how software is transforming from a simple automation tool to a platform enabler that redefines how goods and people are moved.
Connectivity as the key to transformation
At the heart of this transformation is connectivity. As vehicles, supply chains, and infrastructure become more connected, real-time data and software updates will allow companies to respond faster to changes and improve operations. Cubic3’s connected software solutions play a crucial role in enabling this new era by providing real-time data insights, seamless updates and the connectivity that electric fleets need to thrive.
