Grocery retailer, Shoprite Group has launched a new heavy-duty electric truck as part of its fleet, becoming the first South African retailer to pilot such kind of a truck on its fleet.
The vehicle, a Scania Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV), is 100% electric – it has no reliance on fossil fuels and emits no carbon dioxide.
With a range in the region of 350km, the company revealed that the vehicle will be used for local deliveries and will be recharged using renewable energy generated by the group’s existing solar installations.
The refrigerated truck can hold approximately 16 pallets, has nine batteries, solar panels fitted to its roof and a fully electric cooling system which is also powered by the battery packs of the vehicle.
Another first, the truck’s special “glow in the dark” signage will make it more visible when travelling at night.
When exposed to bright (day) light, the signage can absorb and store particles. This stored energy is again emitted when its dark, resulting in a glow.
“As one of Africa’s largest grocery retailers, the Shoprite Group places significant focus on reducing its environmental impact across its operations. One of the ways we’re doing this is by increasing the energy efficiency of our truck fleet.
“The acquisition of this, one of the world’s most advanced electric trucks, which we will charge using our existing renewable energy infrastructure, is another major move in this direction,” says Andrew Havinga, chief supply chain officer for the Group.
The addition of the new electric truck forms part of the Group’s ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain.
The trucks, according to the retailer have a proven fuel saving of around 10% along with lower emissions, forming part of the group’s commitment to reduce its environmental impact.
Shoprite will be growing its fleet of fuel-efficient Euro V trucks annually with an additional 140 units planned by the end of 2023.
