Are SA truck operators ready for e-trucks?

September 12, 2022

Electric trucks are the name of the game all over the world, but what about here in South Africa? Are truck operators ready? Daimler Truck Southern Africa seems to think so…

Daimler has already tested an electric truck in this country, namely the eCanter. Following that evaluation, the company will embark on further testing of an upgraded version the current eCanter.

According to Michael Dietz, CEO of Daimler Truck Southern Africa, we will see further eCanter test units arrive in South Africa later this year. “After an initial highly successful eCanter test in South Africa, we’re pleased to bring the upgraded eCanter to South Africa for testing. We believe that it will perform extremely well,” he tells FOCUS.

However, as they say in those annoying advertisements… that’s not all, folks. The much lauded eActros will also be arriving on these shores. “Transport operators can expect to see the eActros here for testing early next year,” Dietz reveals.

Like the New Generation eCanter that you can read all about in FOCUS next month, the truck with the three-pointed star also offers a variety of ranges. The eActros’ batteries can consist of either three (eActros 300) or four (eActros 400) battery packs, each of which has an installed capacity of 112 kWh and a usable capacity of around 97 kWh, with the eActros 400 boasting a range of up to 400 km.

It’s going to be extremely interesting to see how these vehicles fare in South Africa. This market isn’t without its challenges, one of the most prominent being the irregular power supply. Another is the implementation of CO2 targets within South African companies; many firms are too busy trying to survive… quite honestly, they don’t have the time, energy, or inclination to save the planet.

We saw the eActros “in the metal” during the recent International Press Workshop in Frankfurt. Pictured (from left) are Torbjørn Eriksen (Norway’s representative on the International Truck of the Year jury), Aleksander Głuś (representing Poland), Charleen Clarke (who represents South Africa), Karin Rådström (Member of the Board of Management of Daimler Truck, and head of Mercedes-Benz Trucks) and Gianenrico Griffini (who represents Italy on the jury and is also the organisation's president).

Then there is the issue of changing how a fleet is run. With electric trucks, it’s not just a case of planning a route; transport managers need to consider aspects like charging and range, especially considering the long distances many vehicles are required to travel. On that note, is our charging infrastructure adequate? I think not.

Drivers need to become familiar with electric vehicles (this is no big deal; personally, I find them easy and really pleasant to drive). More significantly, technicians need to know how to repair and maintain the vehicles (they’re dealing with live voltage which can be a somewhat shocking experience if done incorrectly).

Finally, there’s the million-dollar question: how will the total cost of ownership compare to that of a diesel truck? This will hinge on government incentives, which are sorely lacking in South Africa right now.

So, are there serious challenges? Oh yes, but maybe transport operators – working in conjunction with truck suppliers and dealers – will be willing to overcome these. Daimler certainly appears to think so. And hey, with electric trucks, at least there will be no diesel to steal…

Charleen Clarke September 12, 2022

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Charleen Clarke

CHARLEEN CLARKE is editorial director of FOCUS. While she is based in Johannesburg, she spends a considerable amount of time overseas, attending international transport events – largely in her capacity as associate member of the International Truck of the Year Jury.

Posts by Charleen Clarke