The integrated third-party logistics (3PL) service provider has launched EDel – high-end cargo electric vehicles (EVs) to support customers in e-commerce, FMCG and other markets.

“At Mahindra Logistics, we believe in the need to adopt environment-friendly solutions and our business practices are aligned accordingly,” said Rampraveen Swaminathan, MD and CEO, Mahindra Logistics Limited (MLL). ”EDel exemplifies our collective vision of the Future of Mobility – a sustainable ecosystem that brings logistics solutions to customers across the world,” he added.

EDel is a key lever of MLL’s approach to sustainability. Demand for last-mile services continue to grow across India and the company believes that electric vehicles provide an ideal long-term solution for the emerging imperatives around sustainability and cost effectiveness. EDel will initially operate across six major cities in India – starting immediately in Bengaluru, followed by New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata. The company also envisages to roll out the service in 14 cities in the next 12 months.

The operating model and utilisation metrics of EVs today enables EDel to provide sustainable and competitive services as compared to traditional solutions. The initial focus will be on 3W cargo applications, where EDel will primarily utilise Mahindra Electric’s Treo Zor EV. With a load capacity and enhanced range that compares well with existing options, EDel will give customers in the e-commerce, FMCG, pharmaceutical, consumer durables and electronics industries a significant edge in efficient and responsible distribution and last-mile delivery solutions. EDel will also provide multiple offerings including package and trip-based services that will offer customers a scalable, sustainable and cost-efficient solution.

In collaboration with MLL’s supply partners, EDel will deploy a fleet of 1,000 EVs, designed for cargo applications in phase 1 of the roll-out. MLL will also establish a network of dedicated charging infrastructure for its EV operations under EDel with a connected telematics platform to enable customer experience, vehicle and battery utilisation and network management.