Original Article Link: https://bit.ly/4dkbl7g
Electricity integrates with ICE – A Takealot JAC battery-electric truck at work in the middle-mile delivery fleet.
Introducing new technologies into a truck fleet is a risky venture, generally undertaken only by fleets with large capital reserves. With South Africa’s national energy grid problems and e-truck range limitations as obstacles, the deployment of battery-electric trucks into local fleets will be a gradual process, driven by early adopters like leading online retailer Takealot whose new fleet of 11 JAC e-trucks has proved a 12.75% reduction in total-cost-of-ownership (TCO) with the support of EV fleet enabler, Aeversa.
Interestingly, Takealot now has the largest battery-electric truck fleet in South Africa, using the 11 4-tonne JAC N75 EV trucks for middle-mile deliveries. The green truck fleet commenced duties in October 2023, following a 24-month proof-of-concept trial period using one JAC 3-tonne battery-electric truck.
During the first five months of 2024, the fledgling Takealot EV truck fleet, equipped with charging infrastructure, driver training and fleet management data support from Aeversa, demonstrated an average TCO savings of 12.75% alongside its zero carbon emissions ratings.
Transforming truck fleets from ICE to EV
Up-skilling the Takealot driver team – Aeversa brings hands-on EV truck driver training to the new Takealot EV truck fleet.
According to Reando Potgieter, COO of Aeversa: “Takealot and many other fleet managers in South Africa constantly face rising fuel costs and fluctuating diesel prices, making budget planning increasingly challenging. Traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, with their lower energy efficiency and higher maintenance costs, exacerbate these issues.
“Takealot, with its extensive last-mile distribution network, needed a solution that could deliver consistent cost savings and operational efficiency. The primary concerns were whether EVs could meet the high daily mileage demands, sometimes over 300 km per day, and charge fast enough to meet tight middle-mile schedules without compromising reliability.”
Following a successful EV trial that confirmed the viability of electric vehicles for Takealot’s fleet, Aeversa designed a precise first-stage rollout plan with an estimated TCO. In October 2023, Takealot integrated 11 JAC electric trucks into its Johannesburg and Cape Town centers. The three-month fleet transition phase featured rapid charger installation, vehicle commissioning, and in-depth staff and driver training.
“By March 2024, Aeversa’s advanced energy management strategies were optimising every aspect of the operation, including shifting charging to off-peak hours, balancing load dynamically and training drivers meticulously. This comprehensive approach ensured peak operational efficiency and impressive cost savings, demonstrating EVs as a transformative solution for modern logistics,” says Potgieter.
Proving tangible savings using rich data
The results of the Takealot/Aeversa EV fleet initiative are impressive, including: a 12.75% average monthly reduction in fleet TCO; compound savings via a drop in cost of charging infrastructure per vehicle as the fleet grows; operational efficiency improvements covering all Takealot’s local routes, including 140-150 km round trips; energy optimisation using Aeversa’s dynamic load management and driver training programs which resulted in a 39% reduction in overall energy consumption per kilometer; and reliability enhancements where the collaboration resulted in a 250% reduction in under-20% state-of-charge (SOC) events.
Aeversa supplies the scalable charging infrastructure for the EV truck fleet, plus all the necessary EV fleet management data.
“Aeversa’s close collaboration with operations teams in Johannesburg and Cape Town led to optimal use of the technology, helping the initiative exceed our expectations,” adds Potgieter. “The program has outperformed initial budgeted goals, demonstrating the efficiency and effectiveness of EV integration.”
Looking ahead, Takealot is actively exploring ways to further enhance its sustainability efforts. The company is currently studying the potential integration of solar power into its EV charging infrastructure. These investigations aim to assess the feasibility of supplying a significant portion of the fleet’s energy needs, potentially up to 60%, from renewable sources in the future. While still in the planning stages, this initiative could potentially lead to further reductions in operational costs and environmental impact, explains Potgieter.
“Aeversa is honored to assist Takealot in this transformative journey. Our collaboration has proven that EVs are not only sustainable but also a cost-effective solution for modern logistics. We understand the unique challenges facing logistics managers and are committed to delivering practical, impactful solutions,” Potgieter says.
“As logistics managers and executives seek to balance profitability and environmental responsibility, Takealot’s case study serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing a viable path to a greener and more cost-effective future,” concludes Potgieter.
FleetWatch applauds the collaborative and pioneering fleet electrification work undertaken by Takealot and Aeversa. It clearly shows that battery-electric truck integration into commercial fleets can deliver substantial cost savings while promoting environmental sustainability. Naturally, a win-win for everyone!
