THE INFLUENCE OF ENERGY TRANSITION ON LARGE INTERNATIONAL LOGISTICS COMPANIES: A CASE STUDY OF PEPSICO AND AMAZON

Abstract

This article presents a comprehensive analysis of how the global energy transition is influencing the strategic and operational frameworks of large international logistics companies, using PepsiCo and Amazon as primary case studies. The analysis integrates quantitative data from peer-reviewed journals and industry reports to illuminate the complex interplay between substantial capital investments in electric fleets and the long-term financial and environmental benefits. While both companies are making significant strides toward their net-zero targets, their strategies are distinctly tailored to their unique logistical profiles: Amazon focuses on last-mile delivery, while PepsiCo pioneers’ electrification in the heavy-duty, long-haul sector. The findings demonstrate compelling financial and environmental benefits. Electrified fleets yield significant reductions in life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with data from one study indicating a 63…84% reduction for a 40-tonne electric truck compared to a diesel equivalent. Furthermore, operational cost savings are substantial, with analyses showing 40% lower maintenance costs for electric vehicles (EVs) and a total cost of ownership (TCO) that is increasingly competitive with fossil-fuel vehicles. However, the report also uncovers a profound and underappreciated logistical challenge: the immense demand for critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies will place unprecedented pressure on the global maritime shipping industry, a sector that is difficult to decarbonize and currently lacks the capacity to meet this new demand. This analysis concludes that a successful and sustainable energy transition for logistics requires a holistic, data-driven approach, fortified by public-private partnerships, to overcome these systemic barriers and build a more resilient and efficient future.