Wolt has introduced 20 electric cars with swappable batteries in Prague as part of a new pilot project aimed at testing more sustainable delivery methods.

The vehicles, provided by Romanian EV manufacturer UNY, are part of the international NG SEED program and supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Urban Mobility).

The test run in Prague aims to develop scalable, eco-friendly delivery systems. Warsaw and Budapest are also participating in the initiative.

What sets these electric vehicles apart is the instant battery-swapping system. Couriers can replace a depleted battery with a fully charged one in just seconds — eliminating downtime and reducing delays. “I really like this project. Thanks to the size of the electric car, I can park anywhere easily and safely,” said Adam, a Wolt courier in Prague.

Wolt’s goal is to evaluate whether zero-emission, last-mile delivery can be implemented on a larger scale. Unlike traditional systems, couriers pick up orders from a distribution center and deliver them directly to customers, without intermediate stops.

The last-mile delivery market in Europe exceeded $30 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach nearly $55 billion by 2033. However, this booming sector contributes 5–10% of total urban transport emissions — making innovation in this space urgent.

According to Jakub Moťovský, Wolt’s Strategy and Innovation Manager for Central Europe, the pilot has significant potential. “Through our participation in the NG SEED program, we’re testing a system that could cut CO₂ emissions by up to 90% and reduce operating costs by half. Solutions like this can make city life cleaner and more efficient,” he said.

The Prague pilot has set clear targets: complete 70,000 emission-free deliveries, travel 360,000 kilometers, and save 25 tons of carbon dioxide before the project ends.

Would you like us to write about your business? Find out more