Mumbai: As the winter months approach, bringing with them concerns over deteriorating air quality, a new survey reveals that an overwhelming 99% of consumers in Mumbai and Pune advocate for the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) by last-mile delivery companies. This sentiment reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional delivery methods and a strong desire for more sustainable alternatives.
The survey, conducted by the Sustainability Mobility Network (SMN) and released on World EV Day, highlights a clear consumer preference for brands committed to reducing emissions. The survey found that 70% of respondents are prepared to switch to companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to emission reduction. The last-mile delivery sector, responsible for transporting goods from distribution hubs to customers’ doors, contributes significantly to air pollution. In 2024 alone, this sector is accountable for emitting 500,000 tonnes of CO2, a potent greenhouse gas.
A representative from the Maharashtra State Climate Action Cell commented, “The rise of e-commerce has amplified the importance of last-mile delivery services, enhancing consumer convenience but also increasing emissions. As we approach a revision of our EV Policy next year, this survey underscores the influence of consumer preferences on the sector. The results are a powerful call to action for companies to transition to EVs and align with state regulations.” The survey, which included responses from 760 consumers in Mumbai and Pune, also encompassed other major cities: Delhi, Asansol, Kolkata, Coimbatore, Chennai, Bangalore, Hubli-Dharwad, and Ahmedabad. The findings reveal a significant regional concern about air quality, with Mumbai showing particularly high levels of support for EV adoption.
Key insights from the survey indicate:
- 99.8% of Mumbai respondents consider the transition to EVs as crucial for reducing air pollution and emissions.
- 55% are willing to switch to brands based on their commitment to emissions reductions.
- 26% have a high awareness of air quality issues in the city.
- 44.7% of consumers are informed about companies’ plans to transition to EVs.
- 19% fully trust companies’ commitments to EV transitions.
- 82% of respondents use Amazon for last-mile deliveries, followed by 71% for Flipkart and 45% for Zomato.
- 47.9% prioritize companies that support a fair EV transition for their workers.
The survey also highlighted that Mumbai has the lowest percentage of consumers receiving effective communication from companies regarding air pollution measures, with only 22.4% rating it highly. Waatavaran Foundation echoed the urgency, stating, “With the surge in vehicles and the rapid growth of quick commerce, it’s critical to transition delivery vehicles to EVs. This will help reduce emissions and provide cleaner air for our communities. We hope this report catalyzes a swift EV transition by companies, driven by consumer demands.”
