DSV, the global transport and logistics company, has deployed its first 8-ton electric truck in South Africa, in partnership with Volvo Trucks. The vehicle is the first of three scheduled to join the company’s Air & Sea fleet following successful operational trials, significantly boosting DSV’s local electrification drive.
The deployment builds upon earlier steps taken three years ago, which included the introduction of a 4-ton electric truck and an electric van. With the addition of the new Volvo 8-ton trucks, 15 per cent of DSV’s current fleet in South Africa will now be fully electric.
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During operational trials, the 8-ton electric trucks recorded an average energy consumption of just over $1$ kWh per kilometre, demonstrating a maximum range of $230$ kilometres per charge. The vehicles are being supported by the installation of solar power generation and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at major DSV sites in South Africa.
Melanie Smit, Vice President Air & Sea, Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the significance of the milestone. “We are proud to unveil our first Volvo 8-ton electric truck in partnership with Volvo Trucks SA. As the first of its kind for both organisations in South Africa, it represents an important step forward in delivering on our sustainability commitments.”
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In addition to the three 8-ton Air & Sea rigid trucks, DSV’s wider electrification plan includes expanding electric mobility within its road operations. Five Volvo electric truck tractors are slated to join the road fleet by the end of 2025, with one further vehicle planned for delivery in January 2026. The company noted that operational studies indicate electric trucks perform particularly well in volume-based transport operations.
Gordon Wyatt, CEO of Air & Sea for the Middle East and Africa region, highlighted the supporting infrastructure. “This investment along with the installation of solar and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at our major sites in South Africa, moves us further along our sustainability journey and strengthens our ability to support customers with efficient, low-emission transport solutions that reflect DSV’s global strategy and values.”
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The South African initiative follows DSV’s global agreement signed with Volvo Trucks in 2024 to purchase 300 electric trucks for deployment in Europe, bringing DSV’s total global electric fleet to approximately 500 vehicles.
