Volvo Trucks South Africa has confirmed it will start delivering heavy-duty electric trucks to local customers in May.
In South Africa, these trucks belong to the extra heavy commercial vehicle segment, which includes trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVM) rating exceeding 16.5 t.
But in Nigeria, most trucks are delivered on diesel engines, as adoption remains hampered by consumers not being able to access electricity to charge their vehicles.
While the main problem with electric vehicles has never been the price or the road that potential owners will worry about, in Nigeria the concern is always where to charge, considering the hours of electricity needed to keep the vehicle running, as it is. limited or no charging points.
Managing Director, Volvo Trucks South Africa, Waldemar Christensen, said: “Although we are in the early stages of the electric truck journey in South Africa, our staff and dealers are thoroughly trained and prepared for this new technology, so that we can efficiently support our customers. as more fleets switch to sustainable transport solutions.
“Of course there are some infrastructural and legislative hurdles to overcome, but, together with our customers and other stakeholders, we are working hard to ensure the success and longevity of heavy electric trucks in South Africa.”
Volvo Trucks has sold more than 4,300 electric trucks worldwide in more than 38 countries since 2019, when production of these units began.
The Swedish manufacturer is the market leader in Europe with a 32 percent market share for heavy electric trucks.
The European market for heavy-duty electric trucks grew by 200 percent last year, to 1,041 trucks. In North America, nearly half of all heavy electric trucks registered last year were Volvo trucks.
“We are determined to lead the transformation of electric trucks and our market leading position in 2022, not only in Europe, but also in North America and other markets, it is proof that we are doing just that,” said the president of Volvo Trucks Roger Alm.
“Although the market for electric trucks is still small, the trend is clear – many customers are now starting to switch to electric.
“We want to be a catalyst for this transition and aim for 50 percent of global new truck sales to be electric by 2030.”
Volvo Trucks currently offers six electric product ranges in series production, catering for a wide range of uses.
“We now have a product portfolio that can cover many types of transportation for all types of customers,” Alm said.
“Looking at freight flow patterns, it’s probably electric for almost half of all transportation with electric truck lineups.”