South Africa’s leading online retailer, takealot.com, has announced a pioneering step towards sustainable ecommerce in South Africa with the launch of a new fleet of electric trucks.
Through its collaboration with renewable energy company Aeversa and lease vehicle supplier Avis, the online retailer is setting a new standard for environmentally sustainable transportation, coupled with retail innovation and sustainability.
“As the world of sustainability continues to evolve, we will continue to evolve with it. This exciting collaboration marks an important step for us as a consciously innovative business in South Africa,” says Frederik Zietsman, CEO of takealot.com.
“Backed by the Forest Stewardship Council, introducing electric trucks into our business reinforces our commitment to sustainability. We don’t just deliver packages; we are delivering on our promise to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a sustainable shopping solution to our customers,” adds Zietsman.
Says Adrian Van Tonder, Avis’ General Manager for Sales – Commercial Fleet: “This journey has been a great learning opportunity and experience as we navigate our way through uncharted waters. We are proud to be partnered with the forward thinkers and runners within the Electric Vehicle space.
The journey towards this milestone has been filled with meticulous modelling of the JAC Electric Trucks which will be taken into service by Takealot in October. To keep elevating its approach to sustainability, Takealot has worked closely with Aeversa to strategise and implement optimal integration methods, ensuring the seamless operation of the fleet in the Western Cape. The support from Avis onboarding the fleet is a first-of-its-kind project in the world of commercial vehicle leasing.
One of the key highlights of this partnership is Aeversa’s innovative approach to addressing driving range of electric vehicles. By harnessing the potential of the JAC N75EV’s impressive 200-kilometre range per charge, Aeversa has transformed it into a 400-kilometre-plus daily driving range by implementing strategic charging solutions. This revolutionary approach not only enhances operational efficiency but substantially minimises environmental impact.
“This partnership is about so much more than electric trucks and charging stations; we envision this as the first step towards a much-needed shift in logistics,” says Rick Franz, CEO of Aeversa. “Through this partnership, we are excited to weave a more sustainable approach into the fabric of logistics and transport in South Africa,” adds Franz.
The partnership also marks a significant milestone in the realm of charging infrastructure, with the inauguration of the largest DC fast charging station in the Western Cape. The station, boasting a remarkable 240-kilowatt capacity earmarked for 2024, ensures rapid charging and reliability, enabling Takealot to maintain an uninterrupted supply chain and meet customer demands without disruption.
Aeversa’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the vehicles themselves. The company leverages its proprietary Ampcontrol software to maximise the use of green energy sources, further reducing carbon emissions while lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO) for takealot.com’s vehicle fleet.
The JAC N75EV electric trucks, powered by Aeversa, are also equipped with advanced safety features, enhancing driver safety and operational reliability, ultimately reinforcing takealot.com’s dedication to delivering swiftly, safely and sustainably. The collaboration signifies a significant stride forward in South Africa’s reimagined transportation practices, driving the online retail sectors towards greater innovation in the quest for a greener future.
