Mahindra Logistics Ltd (MLL), an integrated third-party logistics (3PL) service provider, announced the launch of its cargo last-mile delivery service under the brand name ‘EDel’. Recognised for its 3PL services, MLL enters into a new service line of sustainable last-mile logistics and fulfilment with EDel for customers in e-commerce, consumer goods and other markets.
EDel will initially operate across six major cities in India including Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata, before expanding to a total of 14 cities in the next 12 months.
Commenting on the launch Rampraveen Swaminathan, Managing Director & CEO, Mahindra Logistics Ltd, said, “EDel exemplifies our collective vision of the future of mobility – a sustainable ecosystem that brings logistics solutions to customers across the world. Demand for last-mile services continues to grow across India, and we believe electric vehicles provide an ideal long-term solution for the emerging imperatives around sustainability and cost-effectiveness. EDel is a key lever of our approach to sustainability.”
The operating model and utilisation metrics of electric vehicles (EVs) today enable EDel to provide sustainable and competitive services when compared with a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) powered solutions. EDel will provide multiple offerings including package and trip-based services. These offerings will provide customers a scalable, sustainable and cost-efficient solution.
With a load capacity and enhanced range that compares well with existing ICE options, EDel will give customers in the e-commerce, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, consumer durables and electronics industries a significant edge in efficient and responsible distribution and last-mile delivery solutions. EDel will deploy a fleet of EVs starting with three-wheeler vehicles, designed for cargo applications. The fleet will be deployed by MLL in collaboration with its supply partners. MLL will also be establishing 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.
EDel is focused on deploying a fleet of 1,000 vehicles in the first phase of expansion. The initial focus will be on three-wheeler cargo applications and EDel will primarily utilise the Treo Zor EV by Mahindra Electric. In the future, MLL will also evaluate expanding to the four-wheeler and other electric delivery options.
Already operational in Bengaluru, services will be rolled out in New Delhi and the other four cities in the first phase of its launch.