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Strategic Approaches to Sustainable Quick Commerce: A SWOT-TOWS Analysis of EV-Based Last-Mile Delivery

Author

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  • Manas Sarkar

Abstract

The rapid expansion of fast last-mile delivery has accelerated urban last-mile delivery, providing unprecedented speed for customers but increasing environmental and operational challenges. Although electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as a sustainable option for reducing emissions, the strategic planning required for EVs within the Q-commerce ecosystem remains fragmented and unexplored. This study addresses the sustainability impacts of sustainable EV-based Q-commerce logistics and develops a strategic roadmap. It fills this gap by conducting a systematic SWOT-TOWS analysis to assess the internal and external factors and achieve effective strategic initiatives. The study aims to: (1) identify and measure the internal strengths and weaknesses and external opportunities and threats of EV-mobilized Q-commerce; (2) express an operative pathway through a TOWS matrix; and (3) provide investors with a structured path to align quick last-mile delivery services with environmental and effective excellence. The TOWS matrix is composed of four strategic pathways: maximizing strengths to capitalize on opportunities (SO), utilizing strengths to counter threats (ST), addressing weaknesses by leveraging opportunities (WO), and implementing defensive measures to m2itigate weaknesses and threats (WT). Q-Commerce provides an organized and strategic roadmap for operators, policymakers, and urban planners to accelerate the transformation to sustainable quick last-mile logistics in line with global sustainability frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 11 and 13). Future research aims to contribute to the growing discussion on sustainable urban last-mile logistics by bridging quantitative performance assessment with strategic management and to assessing the socio-economic impact of rapid logistics models to further advance the sustainability of urban quick last-mile logistics.

Suggested Citation

  • Manas Sarkar, 2026. "Strategic Approaches to Sustainable Quick Commerce: A SWOT-TOWS Analysis of EV-Based Last-Mile Delivery," European Journal of Development Studies, European Open Science, vol. 6(2), pages 15-25, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:epw:develo:v:6:y:2026:i:2:id:70137
    DOI: 10.24018/ejdevelop.2026.6.2.70137
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