DHL Supply Chain has introduced Africa’s first electric Superlink truck in South Africa, partnering with Unilever and Volvo Trucks to explore the viability of heavy-duty electric vehicles in the region.
The fully electric Volvo FMX 6X4 tractor, paired with an 18-metre curtain-sided Superlink double trailer, began operations on August 1, 2025, on standard logistics routes. The trial uses charging infrastructure provided by Aeversa at Unilever facilities, with DHL aiming to transition to renewable energy for future deployments. Data from the electric truck will be benchmarked against DHL’s existing Euro 5 diesel fleet.
Bremer Pauw, Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain Africa, said: “This pilot underscores DHL’s commitment to sustainable logistics and transport solutions despite infrastructure challenges in Africa. While limitations remain in scaling EV solutions, strategic partnerships like this enable us to test and capitalize on the technologies available today, proving that low-carbon logistics can be possible, even in emerging markets.”
The trial reflects Volvo Trucks’ continued focus on emission-reduction technologies. Eric Parry, Senior Manager Sustainable Solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa, noted: “As part of our sustainability commitment, we’ve proactively introduced cleaner transport solutions, including assembling Euro 5 trucks locally ahead of regulation. This pilot reflects our belief that collaboration is key to accelerating Africa’s transition to sustainable freight transport.”
Unilever also highlighted the importance of the initiative in its sustainability strategy. Simphiwe Dlamini, National Transport Manager at Unilever South Africa, said: “Collaborations such as this pilot with DHL and Volvo Trucks are crucial steps toward reaching our sustainability objectives, enabling us to test and implement innovative transportation solutions that foster a greener supply chain.”