Comparative Analysis of Sustainable Urban Last-Mile Delivery Modes Environmental and Economic Impacts

Abstract

Sustainability has become more critical in logistics and transportation, especially in Last-Mile Delivery (LMD). Electronic Vehicles (EVs), Electronic(E)-bicycles, Cargo bikes, and Drones are alternative solutions to the existing Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles that enable low environmental and economic impact. However, they may require a higher investment and have constraints like battery autonomy, small loading capacity, and higher electricity production to meet the demand. This chapter aims to explore the environmental and economic impact of electronic vehicles, as well as the operational challenges and barriers to achieving sustainability. Hence, a thorough literature review is necessary to understand the scholarly work in the area. The study employs the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) to extract data from the Scopus database from 2019-2023. Thirty-two articles were reviewed. The descriptive and thematic analyses have identified the environmental, economic, and social components related to the distribution methods, delivery methods and perceived sustainability.