Lotte Super Introduces Electric Vehicles... Good Delivery Runs Through Every Corner of the Neighborhood

Lotte Super Conducts Pilot Operation of 11 Electric Vehicles
Replacing All Could Reduce Annual CO2 Emissions by 1,460 Tons
Ultra-Lightweight Vehicles with 25% Increased Load Capacity
Reduces Parking Concerns in Narrow Alleys
2-Hour Charging Provides Sufficient Daily Delivery Capacity

[Asia Economy Reporter Yuri Kim] Lotte Super has introduced eco-friendly electric vehicles as delivery vehicles. Although there are only 11 vehicles currently, replacing all of the approximately 400 vehicles could reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by 1,460 tons. This amount is equivalent to what would be removed by planting 27,000 saplings. Due to their small size, these vehicles easily navigate various alleyways, significantly reducing the burden on delivery drivers who have to carry and transport goods. Recently, consumers aiming for 'ethical consumption' have responded positively as a bonus.

◆Lotte Super's New Challenge

On the afternoon of the 15th, I accompanied ultra-light cargo electric vehicle deliveries at two apartment complexes near Lotte Super Songpa Branch in Songpa-gu, Seoul. The slogan wrapped on the vehicle, "Fresh Air for Children - Lotte Super Fresh Eco-friendly Electric Vehicle Delivery," is impressive. Upon boarding, two screens installed in the center of the vehicle catch the eye. When driving starts, one screen displays the current speed, and the other shows the rear camera view when reversing.

Delivery driver Noh Deok-gyu (58) said, "The noise is low, so it’s comfortable. After just a few days of getting used to it, it’s much easier," adding, "With the rear camera installed, it’s easy to check the situation behind the vehicle when reversing, so it feels safer." Because the vehicle is small, parking in the crowded apartment outdoor parking lots is simple. It also does not take up much space, so even if parked briefly on the side, it does not cause inconvenience to traffic.

Passing through apartment areas and entering residential neighborhoods in Songpa-dong, Seokchon-dong, and Bangi-dong, the small electric vehicle shines among the narrow alleyways. Despite its small size, its loading capacity is 25% higher compared to the existing Damas vehicles. Mr. Noh said, "About 30% of the entire delivery area consists of villas and other general houses," and added, "In narrow residential alleys, if parked tightly on one side, other vehicles can pass by, so I worry much less about the vehicle during delivery."

◆Expansion to 100 Vehicles This Year

Lotte Super is currently conducting a pilot operation with a total of 11 electric vehicles at five stores in the metropolitan area. Since the 6th, operations began at two stores in Songpa-gu, Seoul ? Songpa Branch and Sincheon Branch ? and last week, vehicles were also dispatched to Garak Branch in Songpa-gu, Jangan Branch in Dongdaemun-gu, and Wirye Central Branch in Wirye New Town. The delivery zones were selected from dense areas within approximately a 1 km radius of the stores to start the pilot operation. It was explained that a 2-hour charge can cover the entire daily delivery volume. The average daily driving distance for these stores is about 30 to 40 km. On-site, it was mentioned, "Charging is possible with 220V, so it can be easily charged after work."

Lotte Super operates 320 stores nationwide as directly managed stores and runs about 400 delivery vehicles. Considering that these vehicles travel approximately 10 million kilometers annually, replacing them with electric vehicles would reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about 1,460 tons per year.

Seo Jeong-wook, Team Leader of Lotte Super’s Sales Support Team, said, "We started discussions last year, thinking that diesel vehicle operation could be a factor harming the environment, and pilot operations began this month," adding, "We plan to continue increasing the proportion of electric vehicles, expanding to 100 vehicles this year." He continued, "Considering the introduction costs, overall expenses will increase, but we can deliver a consumer experience of ethical delivery that also cares for the environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.