| Title: | Q-Commerce vs. e-commerce in last-mile delivery: a datadriven comparison of emissions, costs, and efficiency – evidence from simulated scenarios |
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| Authors: | ID Sarkar, Manas (Author) |
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| Files: |  RAZ_Sarkar_Manas_2026.pdf (602,76 KB)
MD5: FCA990989E028BF5AD8BDCA5C39A8426
 https://doi.org/10.2478/jlst-2026-0004
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| Language: | English |
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| Work type: | Article |
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| Typology: | 1.01 - Original Scientific Article |
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| Organization: | FL - Faculty of Logistic
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| Abstract: | Consumers’ demand for online shopping has increased manifold since the post-COVID-19 era. And, the rapid growth of quick-commerce (Q-commerce) has revolutionized last-mile delivery with the promise of ultra-fast service, but its environmental and operational impacts are still unexplored. This study uses a data-driven simulation to compare Q-commerce and traditional Ecommerce in terms of emissions, operational costs, and delivery efficiency. The finding reveals that Q-commerce, with its short delivery distances and Electric-Vehicles reliance, is consistent with the 2015 Paris Agreement goal and SDGs (11 & 13) of global warming by reducing transport-sector emissions. By analysing random iterations, the study evaluates key metrics such as carbon emissions, energy/ fuel consumption, Operational cost, and delivery time on Q-commerce and E-commerce using Electric-Vehicles (EVs) (EV vans, E-Bike, and scooters) and International Combustion-Vehicles (CVs) (CV-Vans, CV-Bike, and CV-Cars). The findings of this study reveal that Q-commerce, with its shorter delivery distances and reliance on EVs, produces significantly less greenhouse gases (GHGs) than E-commerce. Additionally, Q-commerce exhibits cost advantages due to lower energy costs. Although last-mile delivery times are longer due to the lower average speed of EVs, the analysis of the data assesses the dependence of shorter delivery distances on faster last-mile deliveries. Prospective comparisons further quantify the potential for Q-commerce to outperform E-commerce in terms of sustainability and cost-efficiency. The study emphasizes the trade-offs between speed, cost, and environmental impact, suggesting that EV adoption and closer delivery distances can enhance the sustainability of last-mile logistics. These insights provide policymakers and businesses with effective strategies to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility in the growing landscape of fast delivery services. Graphical abstract |
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| Keywords: | q-commerce vs. e-commerce, EVS and CVS, last-mile delivery, greenhouse gas emissions, environmental sustainability |
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| Publication status: | Published |
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| Publication version: | Version of Record |
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| Publication date: | 17.07.2026 |
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| Year of publishing: | 2026 |
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| Number of pages: | str. 70-82 |
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| Numbering: | Letn. 17, št. 1 |
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| PID: | 20.500.12556/DKUM-99339  |
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| UDC: | 658.7:502.131.1 |
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| ISSN on article: | 2784-7497 |
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| COBISS.SI-ID: | 287638531 |
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| DOI: | 10.2478/jlst-2026-0004 |
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| Publication date in DKUM: | 13.08.2026 |
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| Views: | 256 |
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| Downloads: | 1 |
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| Metadata: |    |
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| Categories: | Misc.
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