Major food and grocery delivery platforms today launched an industry-led alliance to accelerate the shift to zero-emission food and grocery deliveries. The UN Deliver-E Coalition aims to switch to zero-emission two- and three-wheeler vehicles globally.
The founding Members of the Deliver-E Coalition – Delivery Hero, DoorDash, iFood, Mr D, Swiggy, Uber, Wolt, and Zomato — are accelerating the transition to zero-emissions deliveries of food and groceries. Together, these platforms operate across 96 countries and record an estimated 6 billion two- and three-wheeler deliveries every year. The Coalition’s partners of Deliver-Coalition are ClimateWorks Foundation, the Government of the Netherlands, and Prosus (JustTakeAway).
The Coalition founding Charter unites Members to “dramatically speed up the implementation of zero-emission deliveries by shifting to electric vehicles, bicycles, and other means of zero-emission two or three-wheeler deliveries, thereby unlocking economic, social, and environmental benefits for all stakeholders and the wider society.”
A united push for cleaner city logistics
Online shopping continues to surge worldwide. In 2021 alone, global e-commerce sales reached US$25 trillion across 43 economies — a 15% increase compared with pre-Coalition levels. This rapid growth has transformed consumer behavior, but it has also put immense pressure on cities and delivery networks.
The Deliver-E Coalition connects key players across the delivery ecosystem – from policy makers and vehicle manufacturers to fleet operators, providers, and financiers. Together, they aim to scale up the use of electric two- and three-wheelers in fast-growing urban delivery markets.
The coalition provides a platform for sharing knowledge, aligning standards, testing technologies, and addressing barriers such as charging infrastructure, financing, and regulation. Progress will be tracked through joint reporting and coordinated action among members.
According to a recent United Nations assessment, if no action is taken to make last-mile logistics more sustainable, urban delivery emissions could rise by more than 30% in the world’s 100 largest cities. The consequences would be significant: traffic congestion up 14%, healthcare costs up 12%, and commuters spending five extra minutes per day in traffic. By 2030, last-mile deliveries could generate up to half of all transport-related emissions in cities.
At the same time, consumers themselves are driving change. Studies show that over 70% of shoppers prefer sustainable delivery options, with many willing to switch to brands that use zero-emission vehicles. Cleaner urban logistics has therefore become both an environmental necessity and a competitive advantage for companies.
To meet this challenge, the UN Deliver-E Coalition has been launched as a global platform for cooperation between governments, industry, and technology partners. Its members — including policy makers, vehicle manufacturers, fleet operators and financiers — have signed the Deliver-E Charter, committing to share knowledge, test new technologies and remove common barriers to electrification.
In its first phase, the coalition will focus on scaling up zero-emission two- and three-wheelers, which are already widely used for food and parcel deliveries in many cities. Under the guidance of a shared secretariat, members will build a joint evidence base, coordinate pilots, and align policy and financing tools. Progress will be tracked through regular reporting — turning commitment into measurable action.
Delivery Hero’s contribution
For coalition partner Delivery Hero, electrification is not only a climate priority but also a practical way to improve urban life. Zero-emission vehicles help reduce air and noise pollution, cut operating costs, and open opportunities for new green jobs. The company already supports this transition through subsidized leasing schemes, partnerships with electric vehicle providers, and the rollout of battery-swapping stations that make it easier for couriers to keep moving sustainably.
By joining the Deliver-E Coalition, Delivery Hero reinforces its long-term commitment to cleaner, more efficient delivery systems and supports a collective industry effort toward full electrification.
“We’re delighted to be part of the UN Deliver-E Coalition,” said Eszter Ungar, Delivery Hero’s Vice President for Communications, Public Affairs and CSR, during the coalition’s launch in Dubai. “From electric bicycles and motorbikes to tuktuks, we’re proud to support the use of electric two- and three-wheelers and play our part in the global push toward more sustainable delivery.”
For more details, see the full announcement on the UN Environment Programme website.