Royal Mail has reduced its total carbon emissions by nearly a third since 2021, driven by a rapid EV rollout that has established the UK’s largest electric delivery fleet.

The company’s latest Sustainability Report reveals that total market-based emissions fell to 1,085KtCO2e in 2025/26 – a 7% decrease year-on-year and a 31% drop against its 2020/21 baseline. This progress keeps the company firmly on track to hit its ultimate net zero target by 2040.

The reduction is the result of continued investment in fleet electrification, the increased use of fossil-free biofuel Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in HGVs, and energy efficiency improvements across Royal Mail’s estate.

The report highlights that over 2,000 electric vans were deployed in the last year alone, expanding the EV fleet to over 8,500 vehicles. Nearly a third of its delivery routes are now zero-emission, with 44 delivery offices fully electric.

Royal Mail also reported substantial savings on running, servicing and maintenance costs after switching from diesel vans to electric.

The company is also starting to decarbonise its national distribution network, introducing its first eHGVs in December. In the same month, Royal Mail’s first 80 micro electric vehicles (MEVs) were deployed across locations including London, Bristol, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Solihull, Brighton and the Scilly Isles, helping to cut emissions while improving delivery efficiency.

This robust electrification policy cements its position as the UK’s greenest parcel operator. Average carbon emissions per parcel, already the lowest in the industry, fell by 6% in the last year.

Jenny Hall, chief corporate affairs officer at Royal Mail, said: “We’re making great progress in cutting emissions and transforming Royal Mail into a smarter, greener and more resilient business. By investing in electric vehicles and cleaner fuels, we’re reducing our environmental impact while delivering a more reliable service for our customers and supporting healthier communities.”