• Woolworths has launched a new fleet of electric panel vans that will be used to fulfil the delivery of online orders across South Africa.
• The new fleet has been rolled out in partnership with DSV and Everlectric.
• The electric panel vans have a driving range of up to 300 kilometres per charge and a top speed of 120km/h.

This week Woolworths, in partnership with DSV and Everlectric, detailed the extensive rollout of its new fleet of electric panel vans.

The new fleet will be used to handle the delivery of online orders across the country, with the company adding that it is part of a larger commitment to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainability in the retail industry.

“Last year we announced our commitment to electric delivery vehicles, and we are delighted to now have nearly half our fleet powered by the sun.  The new electric vehicles have been introduced on selected routes in Cape Town and Gauteng with further rollouts and extensions into KwaZulu Natal planned to follow as soon as possible,” explained Liz Hillock, Woolworths head of Online and Mobile. 

“We have bold sustainability goals and ambitions, which included the goal to have ZERO nett carbon emissions by 2040 so this investment is a big step towards these goals. On an annual basis these 41 vehicles will have the potential to save over 400 000 kgs of tailpipe carbon emissions. With the exponential growth of our online business, switching to electric delivery vehicles is a smart and sustainable solution that benefits everyone,” she added in a press release sent to Hypertext.

As for the capabilities of this new fleet, Everlectric has shared the following:

• “Electric panel vans can drive up to 300km per charge.
• The Woolies online electric delivery vehicles drive an average of 150km – 220km per day.
• Electric vehicles perform the same and mostly better than a normal car. The acceleration is better, and they generally have more torque (power) which is important for carrying heavy commercial loads. 
• They have regenerative braking which assist the electric vehicles to perform most efficiently in stop/start traffic conditions (the opposite to normal vehicles). This urban efficiency, combined with the almost 5 cubes of space and 1 ton capacity make these delivery vehicles perfect for urban logistics. 
• There is ‘live advanced telematics’ in the Woolies online electric delivery vehicles which allow for the maximisation of operational efficiencies, increased daily range and ensures driver safety. 
• This telematics has the ability to remotely limit power and speed.
• The Woolies online electric delivery vehicles are limited to a top speed of 120 km/hour.”

“Woolworths along with DSV and Everlectric have proven the viability of the solution through the proof of concept that we have run over the last two years on South African roads, under South African conditions. We are excited to now scale these learnings in our commercial solution that not only decarbonises our clients’ fleets, but is operationally excellent and cost efficient,” enthused Everlectric CEO Ndia Magadagela.