Driving electric

complete electric line up in the global truck industry, we are now expanding our offering with the introduction of rigid versions of its extra heavy electric trucks: the Volvo FH, Volvo FM and Volvo FMX,” commented, Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa.

“This makes it even easier for transport companies to make the move to electric vehicles in urban and regional areas. Fleets can have these trucks custom-built for their specific operation, to cut emissions while getting the same functionality as the diesel truck they are using today. Our customers are already ordering electric vehicles that will suit their specific business needs, with the first local deliveries expected during the first quarter of 2023.”

Meanwhile, Kempower, a rapid EV charging technology provider, has signed a distribution and services framework agreement with sustainable mobility technical solutions supplier, TSG. The companies have made note of the growing calls for fast-charging EV capabilities in Europe and Africa and will together serve this demand by delivering charging systems, electrical infrastructure and lifecycles services in 32 countries across both continents. TSG will be able to provide Kempower’s charging solutions to its TSG customers, helping the transport industry reduce CO2 emissions.

Tomi Ristimäki, CEO of Kempower, remarked, “We’re happy to join forces with TSG as we continue our mission to accelerate the global transition to sustainable mobility. Customers will benefit from our innovative solutions, such as our user-friendly Kempower charging systems, which offer unique features and a low total cost of ownership.”

Climate in the spotlight

The desire to reduce emissions from their vehicles is a desire also shared by UD Trucks Southern Africa which is following a desire to ‘make the trucks the world needs today’ and has stated that the world needs less CO2 harmful emissions released into the environment. It is for this reason that the company launched the Quester and Croner Euro 5 models in 2022 (following the Quon in 2019). The fuel-efficient vehicles (fitted with selective catalytic reduction technology) reduce CO2 emissions as well as total cost of ownership. The Euro 5 model has already nearly sold 1,000 units in South Africa and the Quon line range is reportedly receiving new safety features in line with the company’s Vision Zero goal of no injuries or deaths from road collisions. The announcements here are part of the wider Vision 2030 which will address the need for connectivity, automation and automobility in logistics by 2030 –no doubt signalling the intention of the company to delve further into electric vehicles in the future.

Their faith in the southern market in line with these ideals is also assured with the announcement that UD Trucks SA will open more than three new dealerships in 2023 in strategic areas to better serve customers and grow their brand. ■