Woolworths to launch electric vehicle deliveries in South Africa

Woolworths announced that it will launch an extensive rollout of electric panel vans (EVs) in partnership with DSV and Everlectric to deliver customers' online purchases in Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban.

This comes after a  successful 10-month trial and the rollout will result in up to 70% of the retailer’s fleet being powered by electricity which according to the figures from the trial, will have on an annual basis the potential to save 700,000kgs of tailpipe carbon emissions.

“Last year we announced bold new sustainability goals and ambitions, which included the goal to have zero nett carbon emissions by 2040 so we are very much looking forward to being the first retailer in South Africa to embark on such an extensive rollout of electric panel vans to support our growing online business,” said Liz Hillock, Woolworths head of online and mobile in a statement.

 “Over the last three years we have invested over R1bn in our digital capabilities, providing new and innovative experiences to meet the evolving needs of our customer as well as differentiate our services which has resulted in an exponential growth of online sales. This latest investment in electric panel vans, enables us to continue to grow our online business and deliver the Woolies difference, but with a lower carbon footprint.”

Hillock explains that the vans will be powered by electricity sourced from renewable sources maximising the opportunity to utilise solar at DSV and additional chargers co-located at strategic Woolworths store locations.

"We will work closely with DSV and Everlectric to plan, position and negotiate the installation of these charging stations to leverage off existing renewable/solar installations co-located at the selected malls/retail locations," said Hillock.

“Should there be an 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.”

Written by: Staff Writer.

Guzzle Media