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Latest Update: February 17, 2025, at 12:46 PM
Electric Vehicle Adoption in South Africa: A Growing Trend
The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum among businesses in South Africa. Retail giant Woolworths pioneered this movement by introducing a fleet of over 40 electric vans just a few years back. Additionally, FedEx has also taken steps to integrate electric delivery vans into its operations within the country.
Innovative Solutions from Leading Companies
In a notable initiative about two years ago, the Shoprite Group unveiled heavy-duty electric trucks and introduced solar photovoltaic (PV) panels on truck roofs. This innovation supplements power needs for auxiliary systems like refrigeration units on diesel long-haul trucks.
Sustainable Refrigeration Solutions
The implementation of solar panels allows operators to turn off diesel engines while trucks are stationary — for instance, during loading and unloading processes at stores and distribution hubs. The generated solar energy can then power refrigeration systems, leading to substantial savings by reducing unnecessary diesel consumption during idling times. Since their deployment began in 2017, these solar-powered cooling units have proven effective.
Pioneering Zero-Emission Vehicles
A significant collaboration between Clicks Group and United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD), aided by Everlectric and Investec Sustainable Solutions, has birthed South Africa’s inaugural fleet of zero-emission EVs equipped with solar-powered refrigeration technology. UPD stands as a front-runner in pharmaceutical wholesale logistics across the nation—service providers for pharmacies, medical clinics, private hospitals, and retail health establishments.
Advanced Fleet with Solar Power Integration
This innovative endeavor is rolling out primarily in Gauteng and Western Cape provinces with an initial set of 42 Maxus eDeliver 3 panel vans manufactured by SAIC Maxus under Everlectric’s supply chain management.
These vehicles come fitted with cutting-edge refrigerated cargo boxes entirely powered by solar energy—a first within the industry sector.
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