Why the last mile is in the spotlight
Transport accounts for about 25% of EU greenhouse gas emissions (European Environment Agency), and heavy goods vehicles are a major share: according to the Council of the EU, they account for more than 25% of road-transport CO2 emissions. The standards adopted in 2024 set an ambitious course: −45% by 2030 and −90% by 2040 versus 2019.
Cargo bikes: an urban answer
In a dense city, the cargo bike is no gadget. According to studies (including the University of Westminster), it could replace up to half of urban freight trips, delivers around 1.6 times faster than a van in the city centre, and cuts emissions by ~90% vs a diesel — and by about a third versus an electric van.
Mixed electric fleets
At larger scale, analyses (EIT InnoEnergy, DHL) show that a mixed fleet of cargo bikes and electric vans could cut last-mile emissions by up to 80% across Europe's 100 largest cities, replacing up to 120,000 vans and generating around €554 million in savings per year by 2030.
Decarbonising doesn't mean disorganising
The shift to electric and cargo bikes changes constraints: range, charging points, urban micro-hubs, lower capacity per vehicle. Planning must adapt — assign the right vehicles to the right zones, densify routes, factor in LEZs. Dispatch technology becomes an ally of the transition.
- Transport ~25% of EU GHG; HGVs >25% of road CO2 (EEA, Council of the EU)
- HGV CO2 standards: −45% by 2030, −90% by 2040 (vs 2019)
- Cargo bikes: ~1.6× faster in cities, up to −90% vs diesel
- Mixed fleet: −up to 80% emissions, ~€554M/yr savings by 2030
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Sources
This article is based on verifiable public sources: