Volvo Trucks South Africa delivered two battery electric FH 6×4 truck tractors to one of South Africa’s leading integrated cold chain logistics providers, Vector Logistics.
These trucks form part of Vector Logistics’ introduction of their first fully electric, bumper-to-bumper net-zero trucks, which includes e-axle trailers and electrification of its refrigeration and tail lift components. The truck and trailer have a gross combination weight of 48,6 tonnes.
The Volvo FH 6X4 Tractor with sleep cab has been adapted to accommodate three seats. The truck produces 665 hp and 2 400 Nm of torque from three electric motors that are supplied from six Volvo batteries, with a total capacity of 540 kWh.
Vector Logistics will utilise these electric trucks in its Gauteng and Cape Town operations, focusing on local deliveries and distribution. For this purpose, the company invested in two high speed DC charging stations at its home depots. When fully charged, this combination will give each truck a range of between 200 and 300 km.
“We are excited about Vector Logistics’ shift towards the 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,” says Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa.
Together with Vector Logistics and other service providers, Volvo Trucks offered a holistic solution to the company’s individual requirements regarding driving cycles, load capacity, uptime, range and other parameters. It encompasses everything from route analysis and battery optimisation to servicing and maintenance.
“The aim as always is to offer customers the highest possible uptime and productivity,” says 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 4×2 to 8×4, giving it the industry’s most extensive portfolio of zero exhaust emission trucks.
“One of the main advantages of going electric is that it provides drivers with a silent and vibration-free ride while delivering smooth and massive power,” says Eric Parry, Volvo Trucks’ Sustainable Solutions Manager. “When you think of a typical delivery location for Vector Logistics, which includes sites like restaurants and supermarkets, a big plus is that Volvo’s electric trucks are quiet and less disruptive in these locations. The trucks are also equipped with Volvo Dynamic Steering, which provides reduced steering-wheel resistance at low speeds making them easier to manoeuvre.”
In addition, the electric motor provides smooth and seamless power delivery, which is ideal for stop-and-go driving in the metro areas where these units will operate. Volvo’s electric trucks also meet the same high crash safety standards as the company’s other trucks and offer the same safety systems as the diesel models.
Volvo Trucks’ driver trainers have trained a team of selected Vector Logistics drivers on how to operate and get the best out of the electric trucks. Further training will be conducted in the near future to hone their skills.
The question on everybody’s minds in South Africa is a lack of a consistent supply of electricity and how operators can work around this challenge to efficiently operate electric trucks.
“In a way, we believe it is all down to planning,” says Parry. “Operators will have the necessary tools to plan their charging options according to their workload and routes, even though there is load shedding.”
Like in the case of Vector Logistics, electric trucks are mostly aimed at regional distribution customers. In most of those cases, they return to a home base at some point in the day. This is usually the point where charging makes the most sense. So public charging is not as relevant for these operations. Having control of their own charging allows customers to have certainty in their energy costs.
Many companies are formulating ambitious CO² goals as stricter carbon emission regulations are implemented across the world, as well as the desire for better air quality and less noise, especially in large urban areas. Another important driver for electrification is transport efficiency. Electric trucks can make deliveries at night and in off-peak periods and can access more locations than their diesel counterparts, including the inside of buildings.
“Volvo Trucks has been committed to social, environmental, and economic responsibility since the start of our company,” says Christensen. “Now, protecting the environment is the biggest challenge we face. The Volvo Group is a leading force in the shift towards the electrification of the transportation, mobility, and equipment sectors, making a real impact on our customers’ efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.”
