Woolworths, one of South Africa’s largest retailers, has teamed up with DSV and Everlectric to launch electric delivery vans for online purchases. This move is part of Woolworths’ commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in the retail industry.
Last year, the retailer announced its commitment to electric delivery vehicles, and it is now proud to have nearly half its fleet powered by the sun. The new electric vans have been introduced on selected routes in Cape Town and Gauteng, with further rollouts and extensions into KwaZulu Natal planned to follow as soon as possible.
Woolies aims to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2040 and expects these 41 electric vehicles to save over 400,000 kgs of carbon emissions annually. With the growth of their online business, switching to electric delivery vehicles is a smart and sustainable solution for Woolworths.
To power the vans, renewable energy sources, such as solar power, are being utilized at DSV’s facilities in Gauteng and Cape Town. In cases where renewable charging is not available, DSV and Everlectric will procure Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset any indirect emissions from the grid.
Electric online delivery vehicle stats:
– Electric panel vans can drive up to 300km per charge.
– The Woolies online electric delivery vehicles drive an average of 150km – 220km per day.
– Electric vehicles perform the same and mostly better than a normal car. The acceleration is better, and they generally have more torque (power) which is important for carrying heavy commercial loads.
– They have regenerative braking which assist the electric vehicles to perform most efficiently in stop/start traffic conditions (the opposite to normal vehicles). This urban efficiency, combined with the almost 5 cubes of space and 1 ton capacity make these delivery vehicles perfect for urban logistics.
– There is ‘live advanced telematics’ in the Woolies online electric delivery vehicles which allow for the maximisation of operational efficiencies, increased daily range and ensures driver safety.
– This telematics has the ability to remotely limit power and speed.
The Woolies online electric delivery vehicles are limited to a top speed of 120 km/hour.
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