Q-Commerce vs. E-Commerce in Last-Mile Delivery: A Data-Driven Comparison of Emissions, Costs, and Efficiency – Evidence from Simulated Scenarios

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 E-commerce 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.