Volvo Trucks South Africa has delivered two battery electric FH 6x4 truck tractors to cold-chain specialist Vector Logistics.

These truck tractors form part of the logistics company’s roll-out of its first fully-electric, bumper-to-bumper net-zero trucks.

Unlike traditional electric trucks, which focus solely on the vehicle’s powertrain, the solution integrates e-axle trailers, with solar energy powering components such as the refrigeration units and tail-lifts.

The refrigeration system includes a diesel backup for emergency use when the battery’s power is depleted.

Vector Logistics’ goal is to respond to the global climate emergency by reducing its greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 42% before the end of 2030.

The company says it will use its new trucks for deliveries within Johannesburg and Cape Town to clients in the retail and fast-food industries.

For this purpose, it has installed two, solar-powered high-speed DC charging stations from Aeversa at its depots.

When fully charged, this will give each truck a range of between 200 km and 300 km.

At this point in the electric evolution, electric trucks are aimed mostly at regional distribution customers, with the trucks returning to home base at some point during the day to charge.

“Sustainability remains at the heart of our business strategy,” says Vector Logistics CEO Keith Pienaar.

“We are committed to creating an agile, resilient logistics network that adapts to market changes, while maintaining service quality.”

The electric trucks’ fuel saving is regarded as “material”, strengthening the commercial-use case and offsetting the higher purchase price.

Allied to this, is the carbon emission savings, which align to Vector Logistics’ broader zero-carbon strategy.

Together with Vector Logistics and other service providers, Volvo Trucks looked at the company’s individual demands, including driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range, optimal route planning, battery optimisation, and servicing and maintenance.

Volvo Trucks’ driver trainers have also trained a team of Vector Logistics drivers on getting the best out of the electric trucks.

“The aim as always is to offer customers the highest possible uptime and productivity,” says Volvo Trucks South Africa MD Waldemar Christensen.

Volvo Trucks’ extra heavy trucks electric line-up includes the Volvo FH, the Volvo FM, and the Volvo FMX. They are available in truck tractor or rigid configurations, from 4x2 to 8x4.