About the programme
Worldwide, about 40% of carbon emissions related to transportation come from moving goods in cities. Large freight trucks and vehicles used for city deliveries are also among the major sources of fine particulate pollution, which harms children’s lung development and people’s health.
These vehicles, mainly used for transporting goods and business purposes, are increasingly populating our city roads. For instance, the World Economic Forum predicts that the demand for last-mile deliveries in urban areas will increase by nearly 80% by 2030, resulting in a significant rise in delivery vehicles across cities worldwide.
Cities have various tools to speed up the shift to freight transportation with zero emissions, and C40 Cities can assist in this effort.
Programme activities
C40’s Zero Emission Freight Programme helps cities improve public health and reduce pollution from heavy freight and urban logistics vehicles. We support cities through various means, including:
- Hosting webinars and active working groups.
- Facilitating in-person workshops and site visits.
- Connecting cities to share best practices.
- Managing practical technical assistance projects.
- Bringing together cities, academics, private sector, and technical experts.
We assist cities in expediting the adoption of zero-emission freight systems by:
- Implementing policies and incentives, such as curbside management and vehicle restrictions.
- Establishing public-private partnerships and engagement.
- Integrating freight into ambitious transport policies, like zero-emission areas.
- Setting up charging infrastructure for zero-emission freight vehicles.
- Expanding freight data and monitoring progress towards freight-related objectives.
- Testing innovative solutions like microhubs and e-cargo bikes.
One key activity includes Laneshift; through this partnership, which launched in 2023, The Climate Pledge has committed US$10 million to C40 cities to kick-start the development and deployment of zero-emission electric trucks and charging infrastructure across major cities in India and Latin America. Laneshift aims to work together with cities and important partners to tackle regulations hindering the adoption of electric vehicles. They will conduct pilot projects to prove their feasibility, resolve vehicle supply and financing challenges, and prioritise fairness in the shift to electric freight.
Cities engaged with the programme: Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Montréal, New York City, Phoenix, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, Toronto, Vancouver, London, Madrid, Milan, Stockholm, Warsaw, Washington D.C.
Laneshift cities: Bengaluru, Bogotá, Curitiba, Delhi, Medellin, Mexico City, Mumbai, Pune, Quito, Rio de Janeiro.
