New development in 2024 by commercial ev specialist, Aeversa, this vehicle greening project:
- Helped online retail giant Takealot further their fleet conversion to electric delivery vehicles.
- Is currently enabling Takealot to supplement the charge of these vehicles with on-site solar energy & earmarked to receive stationary storage that is suitable for high power dc charging.
- Will ensure that Takealot’s energy cost for ev logistics is stabilised in the face of looming Eskom rate hikes.
- Aims to educate South Africa’s transport & logistic’s sector on the “driving on sunshine” vision.
With loadshedding still a possibility, the system is aimed at reducing the operational risk and reliance of diesel powered backup charging. There is also the benefit of mitigating the exposure to fluctuating electricity cost from the grid. This is precisely where solar and battery energy storage completes the picture for South Africa’s ev fleets.
Vision becomes reality
As a leader in commercial ev charging solutions and sustainable fleet management, Aeversa’s vision for the future of commercial mobility sees entire commercial ev fleets powered by renewable energy, specifically through solar installations combined with battery energy storage systems (bess).
This initiative aims to maximise both sustainability and operational savings.
Key statistics for the recent successful execution of Takealot’s “driving on sunshine” project:
- Thus far, the electric trucks resulted in an average 12,9% monthly cost of ownership saving; with the new solar and storage system aiming to further increase savings potential.
- A fully operational fleet of 10 branded electric trucks
- Each truck covers between 300 and 420km per day
Green energy supply:
- Solar installations: 220kWh capacity
- Scoped battery backup capacity: 258kWh storage
These results are a case study for forward-thinking vehicle greening strategies, mitigating the financial risk and unpredictability of fluctuating fuel costs, while demonstrating the synergy of evs and renewable energy creating a compounding effect–the larger the deployment scale, the greater the savings and environmental impact.
“We anticipate that within 3 to 5 years, the system will provide paid-off solar energy to the fleet, cementing Takealot’s sovereignty over their energy supply, shielding them from grid instability and rising electricity/fuel costs.” Reando Potgieter, COO and Aeversa
What’s next?
Takealot and Aeversa aren’t stopping here. This first phase of solar powered ev charging stations will eventually supply up to 60%-70% of the fleet’s energy needs, with the anticipated annual co2 savings calculated at a whopping 154-165 tons. By harnessing the power of the sun, Takealot is not only reducing operational costs but also making significant strides towards south africa’s future sustainability, creating a win-win situation for all.
Explore more about Aeversa’s fleet electrification services at: aeversa.com
or email in**@ae*****.com
Visit Takealot: takealot.com
Press contact
Reando Potgieter, Chief Operational Officer | Aeversa (pty) ltd
Cnr 5th &, Carlswald Decor Centre, Harry Galaun Dr, Carlswald, Midrand, 1684
Telephone: 010 880 8452
Email: re****@ae*****.com
Website: www.aeversa.com
