Real Energy doubles down on DAF

April 16, 2025

Real Energy Africa Logistics has expanded its fleet with new DAF XF530 trucks. Reliability, fuel efficiency, and strong aftersales support were the key decision drivers.

In December 2024, hazardous materials transport specialist Real Energy Africa Logistics added its first new DAF trucks to its fleet – two XF530 models that, in under three months, have already surpassed 10,000km. Impressed by the trucks’ reliability and fuel efficiency, as well as the comprehensive support from DAF supplier Babcock, the company is now preparing to take delivery of four additional units.

Founded nearly three years ago, Real Energy Africa Logistics currently operates a fleet of 13 trucks, including two 530-hp DAF XF530 models. The company is part of the Wozani Berg Gasoline (WBG) group – a prominent name in South Africa’s fuel and gas distribution sector – and the Q4 Group of Companies, a key player in fuel retail and chemical distribution. As managing director Justin Blythe explains, Real Energy was initially created to serve as an in-house logistics provider for WBG.

In 2024, as part of its fleet expansion programme, Real Energy went to market for two additional vehicles. Before committing to the XF530s, the company tested a 480-hp DAF XF480 demo unit, which made a strong impression. Blythe, who brings 36 years of experience in logistics and transport to the table, recalls: “Over the years, I have worked extensively with two other truck brands. When we launched Real Energy, we acquired second-hand DAF units, and I was immediately impressed by their durability. These trucks keep going – you only bring them in for routine maintenance, preventative maintenance check-ups, and they are back on the road.”

Following the demo experience, the team decided on the higher-powered XF530 models for several practical reasons. While the 480-hp unit met performance expectations, the 530-hp trucks offered added benefits, including lower strain on the drivetrain, potentially extending the life of key components. Additionally, Real Energy’s routes often involve steep inland climbs from coastal regions, and the extra power of the 530-hp model proved especially effective in such conditions. According to Blythe, the higher-horsepower trucks have been even more fuel-efficient than expected.

Alec Jackson, sales representative at Babcock, adds: “The turnaround times on a 530-hp vehicle are generally better than on a 480-hp unit – one ends up doing more loads in a given timeframe. The regulated 80km/h maximum speed is one thing, but being able to maintain it over notorious climbs such as Van Reenen’s Pass is quite another. In the end, by deploying a high-horsepower vehicle in such tough terrain, one ends up doing a load or two extra a month versus when running a smaller engine truck.”

Blythe agrees, highlighting the importance of maintaining consistent aerodynamic speed as a key efficiency metric. The DAF XF530, he says, performs exceptionally in this regard – an advantage further supported by its low fuel consumption and reduced maintenance costs.

One of the major drawcards for Real Energy was Babcock’s all-inclusive maintenance contract, which Blythe describes as a “peace-of-mind” factor that heavily influenced its decision. He also cites Babcock’s competitive buy-back and trade-in options as critical to future fleet upgrades.

“Another key competitive edge which swung our decision towards DAF was provided by Babcock’s competitive buy-back and trade-in deals, which make it easier for us to sell our DAF Trucks at the end of their useful life and upgrade our fleet,” says Blythe. “We were also quite impressed by the supportive in-house Babcock Finance team. Jumping through the hoops of normal risk requirements and liquidity confirmations can be daunting, but the Babcock Finance team made the process smooth for us and within about a week, all the admin work had been completed.”

Blythe also commends Babcock’s Executrax system, which comes standard on all DAF Trucks. This advanced onboard fleet management technology supports effective vehicle and driver monitoring – an essential requirement for the high-risk fuel transport industry. Executrax provides real-time tracking, driving behaviour analysis, and vehicle safety monitoring, helping to improve cost efficiency and sustainability.

“Based on these factors, Real Energy has placed an order for four more DAF XF530s, which will be delivered by mid-2025. Within a short space of time, we have built a formidable relationship with the client, and we look forward to being part of their growth story for many years to come,” concludes Jackson.