Woolworths, in partnership with DSV and Everlectric, is the first South African retailer to embark on an extensive rollout of electric panel vans (EVs) to deliver their customers’ online purchases.
- The Woolworths online electric delivery vehicles drive an average of 150km – 220km per day.
- This move is part of the company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in the retail industry.
- The online electric delivery vehicles are limited to a top speed of 120 km/hour.
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Woolworths launched its on-demand, same-day delivery service, Woolies Dash back in 2020 and 3-years later, the online grocery shopping service is going electric.
Last year we announced our commitment to electric delivery vehicles, and we are delighted to now have nearly half our fleet powered by the sun. We have bold sustainability goals and ambitions, which included the goal to have ZERO nett carbon emissions by 2040 so this investment is a big step towards these goals. On an annual basis these 41 vehicles will have the potential to save over 400’000kgs of tailpipe carbon emissions. With the exponential growth of our online business, switching to electric delivery vehicles is a smart and sustainable solution that benefits everyone.
// Woolworths Head of Online and Mobile, Liz Hillock
To power the vans, electricity will be sourced as far as possible from renewable sources by utilising DSV’s extensive solar infrastructure at their Gauteng and Cape Town facilities. Should there be any exception to renewables recharging, DSV and Everlectric will work with an audit firm to procure Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to offset any indirect grid energy emissions.
// Woolworths Head of Online and Mobile, Liz Hillock
The Everlectric electric panel vans can drive up to 300km per charge and feature 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 attractive for urban logistics. There is also ‘live advanced telematics’ in the Woolworths 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.
Woolworths along with DSV and Everlectric have proven the viability of the solution through the proof of concept that we have run over the last two years on South African roads, under South African conditions. We are excited to now scale these learnings in our commercial solution that not only decarbonises our clients’ fleets,but is operationally excellent and cost efficient.
// Everlectric CEO, Ndia Magadagela
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