The launch in South Africa of Scania’s battery electric vehicles (BEV) promises to open the door to the electrified transport landscape for many progressive customers. Electric trucks hold the potential to reinvigorate South Africa’s transport industry. Not only do they provide the solution to the damage fossil fuels are inflicting on the environment, but they also present a substantial opportunity for transport operators to benefit from less volatile energy costs and increased efficiencies.
“Electrification marks a new era for the transport industry,” explains Mark Templeton, Sustainability Manager, Scania Southern Africa. “Scania has passed a number of milestones on our electrification roadmap and we are confident we can offer our customers a credible alternative to ICE vehicles.”
Scania is leading the charge to electrification in partnership with South African retailer Shoprite. This follows Shoprite’s recent acquisition of a number of Scania Euro 5 vehicles delivering industry-leading fuel efficiencies. Shoprite will become the first retailer to pilot a heavy-duty electric truck with the pilot scheduled to launch in Cape Town at the end of November 2022.
This will be followed by a further introduction of BEV’s to customers in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Based on classic Scania cornerstones such as modularity, sustainability and total operating economy, the Scania Battery Electric Vehicle is 100% electric and requires no fossil fuels to power it. It also emits zero carbon dioxide. The refrigerated truck can hold around 16 pallets, is equipped with nine batteries and has solar panels fitted to its roof. A fully electric cooling system is also powered by the vehicle’s battery packs. With a range of approximately
350-kilometres, the vehicle will be used for local deliveries and will be recharged using renewable energy generated by Shoprite’s existing solar installations.
For customers who require charging infrastructure, Scania has selected a local BEV charging company with already established technical expertise, a thorough understanding of local legislation and an in-depth knowledge of South Africa’s electricity grid to ensure best practice charging infrastructure. Shoprite will lease this charging solution at the outset. “As the market evolves, Scania Southern Africa plans to offer an integrated charging solution built around the national energy mix,” adds Templeton. Scania’s Cape Town dealership has already incorporated electrification services into its product portfolio and will become a certified VCB service site to service battery electric vehicles by the end of November 2022.
“To drive the shift to sustainable transport solutions, we are working with like-minded customers who have the same ambition and commitment as we do, to create a world of mobility that is better for business, society and the environment. We look forward to partnering with Shoprite on this journey that promises to be the beginning of South Africa’s journey to electrified transport. We anticipate more and more customers joining the shift as they too embark on their journey to electrification and its substantial benefits,” says Templeton.
