DSV is expanding its electric truck fleet in South Africa with the addition of nine new Volvo FM 4x2 electric trucks over the next few months. Volvo Trucks South Africa delivered the first unit in late November.
Three of the new trucks will support DSV Air and Sea, while five more Volvo FM 4x2 electric tractors will be introduced before the end of 2025. An additional unit is expected to arrive in January 2026.
The partnership highlights growing local appetite for lower-emission road transport solutions, says Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “It is inspiring that global transport leaders like DSV are integrating electric trucks into daily operations, showing that sustainable transport is both practical and efficient in South Africa.”
Operational studies conducted by DSV show that electric trucks perform well in volume-based distribution. During recent local trials, DSV’s new eight-ton truck recorded an average energy consumption of just over 1kWh per kilometre, with a range of about 230km on a full charge.
The installation of solar generation and a battery energy storage system at DSV Park Gauteng enables the site to charge electric trucks using renewable energy, says Eric Parry, senior sustainability manager at Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Our trials with DSV show that the electric trucks have the capacity and range to run a full day of operations without needing a charge during working hours.”
Drivers who participated in the handover programme reported a similar operating experience to Volvo’s internal combustion engine trucks, as the familiar controls meant only minimal additional training was required, he said.
The Volvo FM Electric 4x2 rigid truck is designed for regional and urban operations, including container transport and waste handling. It offers a range of up to 300km depending on operating conditions, with battery configurations from 180 to 540kWh and power output of up to 490kW. Volvo’s electric truck range in South Africa includes the FH and FMX models, introduced locally in 2023.
