Scania charges ahead!

Scania Southern Africa is leading the charge towards electric vehicles in an industry-first trial together with the Shoprite Group.

The launch in South Africa of Scania’s battery electric vehicle (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 a 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 at Scania Southern Africa. “Scania has already passed many milestones on our electrification roadmap and we are confident we can offer our customers a credible alternative to vehicles with internal combustion engines.”

Scania is leading the charge towards electrification in partnership with South African retailer Shoprite. This follows Shoprite’s recent acquisition of a number of Scania Euro 5 vehicles, which deliver industry-leading fuel efficiencies. Shoprite is the first retailer to pilot a heavy-duty electric truck, and began operating the vehicle in November 2022.

This will be followed by a further introduction of BEVs to customers in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Based on classic Scania cornerstones such as modularity, sustainability, and total operating economy, the Scania BEV is 100% electric. As such, it obviously requires no fossil fuels to power it, while it 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 km, the truck is being used for local deliveries and is being 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 is leasing 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 became a certified VCB service site to service BEVs at 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,” asserts Templeton. “We look forward to partnering with Shoprite on this journey, which 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.”