A year has passed since the first tests between Chronopost and Electra (November 2024) and the assessment seems to have given ambition. More deliveries, less CO₂ and a sustainable fleet with a target of 43% low-emission vehicles by 2030. In Paris, 100% « clean » delivery is already a reality.
Ultra-fast terminals and a dense network
Since November 2024, Chronopost has been experimenting with Electra charging stations of up to 400 kW, which is rare in the French ecosystem. With this level of power, vehicles can regain their range in just 12 to 20 minutes, compared with several hours at conventional charging points. This time saving is a real game-changer: delivery drivers can do more rounds without having to take long breaks. And the results are clear to see: with these kiosks, the number of daily deliveries has risen from thirty to almost 100, according to internal figures. For its part, Electra offers an already solid network: more than 579 stations open today and powerful charging stations capable of recharging up to 400 km of range in 20 minutes. These stations can be accessed via the Electra app, which allows users to reserve their charging point in advance, guaranteeing a charging point when their vehicles need it.
The Electra network covers a large area, giving Chronopost ultra-fast terminals close to its depots. This logistical density offers considerable flexibility: delivery drivers don’t waste time going too far to recharge, and branches can plan their rounds more fluidly. Feedback from the teams on the ground is largely positive: the stations are well located, access is controlled and operational support is responsive. At the same time, Chronopost is strengthening its urban infrastructure via its Espaces Logistiques Urbains (ELU) and its « ChronoCity » miniboutiques, located in the heart of neighbourhoods. These sites enable parcels to be centralised and then delivered using light vehicles, further reducing the carbon footprint of urban distribution.
Towards an ever-greener fleet
Currently, 21% of the Chronopost fleet is electric, i.e. around 1,345 vehicles. The ambition is to reach 3,188 electric vehicles by 2030, i.e. 43% of the fleet. This is a real gamble on « sustainable delivery » and carbon footprint. Chronopost is not starting from scratch, however: for several years it has been investing in low-emission vehicles (electric, NGV, bicycles). In Paris, for example, 100% « clean » delivery is already a reality, with a fleet of electric and NGV (natural gas for vehicles) vehicles. In Nantes too, Chronopost has installed terminals and put 100% electric vehicles on the road. In some branches, such as Valence, recharging stations have been added to support this transition. Electrifying deliveries significantly reduces emissions: in Paris, transport by « clean » vehicles avoids 560 tonnes of CO₂ and 99% of fine particles. Chronopost is thus aiming for a greener logistics model while maintaining fast delivery times.
Finally, in terms of CSR, the company is confirming its commitment: it recently obtained the Platinum EcoVadis rating, one of the highest scores in its sector. The electrification of deliveries has a real impact on CO₂ emissions and urban pollution. In Paris, the project has already significantly reduced street pollutants while maintaining reliable delivery times. This model proves that ecology and logistics performance can go hand in hand. In terms of social and environmental responsibility, Chronopost has a solid commitment: the company renewed its Platinum EcoVadis certification in 2024, with a score of 81/100. This score reflects not only its efforts to green its fleet, but also progress in ethics, responsible purchasing and governance.
Limits and future challenges
Although the results are largely positive, a few challenges remain. The maximum power of Electra terminals depends on vehicle compatibility: not all vehicles can take full advantage of this speed. Another constraint is that the possible saturation of the charging points can temporarily reduce their efficiency. Finally, to ensure the long-term viability of this strategy, Chronopost must continue to invest in its infrastructure and in optimised recharging solutions, while ensuring that these investments are profitable or at least viable in the long term. But so far, the company seems to be making good progress in this direction. Thanks to its partnership with Electra, Chronopost is succeeding in a twofold challenge: increasing the speed of its deliveries while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. While there are still many technical and logistical challenges, the initiative is a good illustration of how electric vehicles can transform the last mile of delivery, making cities cleaner and routes more efficient.
