If you live in Jozi’s northern suburbs and surrounds, then your Woolies online food deliveries will now be delivered by electric panel vans operating from Woolworths’ Sandton, Nicolway, Cresta and Cedar Square stores. The electric vehicles not only make no sound but more importantly they don’t emit smelly carbon emissions.
In partnership with DSV and Everlectric, Woolworths recently took delivery of 42 electric delivery vehicles of which 30 have been deployed to Gauteng deliveries which cover the majority of Gauteng’s urban routes. This move is part of the retailer’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in the retail industry.
“Last year we announced our commitment to electric delivery vehicles, and we are delighted to now have nearly half our fleet powered by the sun. We have bold sustainability goals and ambitions, which included the goal to have ZERO nett carbon emissions by 2040 so this investment is a big step towards these goals. On an annual basis these 41 vehicles will have the potential to save over 400 000 kgs of tailpipe carbon emissions. With the exponential growth of our online business, switching to electric delivery vehicles is a smart and sustainable solution that benefits everyone,” confirms Liz Hillock, Woolworths Head of Online and Mobile.
“To power the vans, electricity will be sourced as far as possible from renewable sources by utilising DSV’s extensive solar infrastructure at their Gauteng and Cape Town facilities. Should there be any 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,” explains Hillock.
So next time you order Woolies foods online, do it knowing that you are contributing to a cleaner and greener world.
Did you know:
- Electric panel vans can drive up to 300km per charge.
- The Woolies online electric delivery vehicles drive an average of 150km – 220km per day.
- Electric vehicles perform the same and mostly better than a normal car. The acceleration is better, and they generally have more torque (power) which is important for carrying heavy commercial loads.
- They have regenerative braking which assist the electric vehicles to perform most efficiently in stop/start traffic conditions (the opposite to normal vehicles). This urban efficiency, combined with the almost 5 cubes of space and 1 ton capacity make these delivery vehicles perfect for urban logistics.
- There is ‘live advanced telematics’ in the Woolies online electric delivery vehicles which allow for the maximisation of operational efficiencies, increased daily range and ensures driver safety.
- This telematics has the ability to remotely limit power and speed.
- The Woolies online electric delivery vehicles are limited to a top speed of 120 km/hour.
