Volvo Trucks South Africa (SA) has delivered the first of nine new electric trucks to logistics group DSV.

Three new Volvo FM 4x2 8-t electric trucks will be joining DSV’s fleet in support of its air and sea operations.

DSV is also expanding its electric fleet in support of its road operations and, by the end of this year, five new Volvo Trucks FM 4x2 electric tractors will join the fleet, with one more expected to arrive in January next year.

The acquisition follows DSV’s global agreement with Volvo Trucks in 2024 to purchase 300 electric trucks in Europe, bringing the company’s total global electric fleet to around 500 vehicles.

The deal was one of the largest commercial orders for Volvo electric trucks at the time, and formed part of DSV’s efforts to reduce its emissions footprint.

“It is truly inspiring that global transport leaders like DSV are integrating electric trucks into their daily operations, demonstrating that sustainable transport is both practical and efficient in South Africa,” says Volvo Trucks SA MD Waldemar Christensen.

“We take pride in the role electric trucks play in reducing emissions, while creating a quieter, more comfortable working environment for drivers.”

During operational trials at DSV, Volvo’s 8-t electric truck demonstrated an average energy consumption of just more than 1 kWh a kilometre, with a range of 230 km on a full charge.

Volvo Trucks SA senior sustainability manager Eric Parry says the installation of a solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) at DSV Park Gauteng provides clean, renewable energy to power DSV’s electric trucks.

“Our trials with DSV have shown that Volvo electric trucks have the capacity and range needed to run a full day’s operation without needing to be charged during running hours.”

“For drivers, operating the electric truck feels almost identical to our Volvo internal combustion engine trucks, so the transition is seamless,” he adds.

“Because the controls and functionality are familiar, there’s very little additional training needed.”