Volvo Trucks South Africa has delivered two all-electric FH 6×4 truck tractors to Vector Logistics, marking a significant step toward sustainable food distribution in the country. The trucks will be used in Gauteng and Cape Town, paired with refrigerated trailers to support the company’s cold chain operations.
The battery-electric trucks, Volvo’s first “bumper-to-bumper net-zero” models in South Africa, are powered by three electric motors generating a combined 665 horsepower. With six battery packs offering a total capacity of 540 kWh, the vehicles can achieve a range of 200 to 300 kilometers when fully charged, according to Volvo Trucks.
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To support charging, Vector Logistics has installed two DC fast chargers at its depots in Gauteng and Cape Town. Volvo has also provided driver training to maximize vehicle efficiency, particularly given South Africa’s ongoing electricity supply challenges.
“In a way, we believe it is all down to planning,” said Eric Parry, Volvo Trucks’ Sustainable Solutions Manager. “Operators will have the necessary tools to plan their charging options according to their workload and routes, even though there is load shedding.”
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Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa, emphasized the partnership’s alignment with sustainability goals. “We are excited about Vector Logistics’ shift towards electrification in their fleet. Just like Volvo Trucks, sustainability is part of their core values, and together we believe this innovative solution will help shape the future of the local logistics landscape,” he said.
Volvo Trucks continues to expand its electric vehicle offerings globally, with South Africa now joining a growing list of markets adopting zero-emission heavy-duty transport solutions.
