South African grocery retailer Shoprite Group is piloting an electric refrigerated truck from Scania that “glows in the dark.”
The battery-electric reefer holds approximately 16 pallets, has nine batteries, solar panels on its roof, and a fully electric cooling system that also is powered by the battery packs on the 100% electric vehicle, which has a range of 217 miles.
Shoprite plans to use the truck for local deliveries, according to a release. The electric vehicle will be recharged using renewable energy generated by the company’s existing solar installations.
“As Africa’s largest grocery retailer, the Shoprite Group places significant focus on reducing its environmental impact across its operations,” said Andrew Havinga, chief supply chain officer for the Shoprite Group. “One of the ways we’re doing this is by increasing the energy efficiency of our truck fleet.
“The acquisition of this, one of the world’s most advanced electric trucks, which we will charge using our existing renewable energy infrastructure, is another major move in this direction.”
The retailer selected Robin Jooste, 28, of Colorado Park, Mitchells Plain, to drive the truck, which features special glow-in-the-dark signage that will make it more visible when traveling roads at night. When exposed to daylight, the signage absorbs and stores energy, which is emitted when it’s dark, resulting in the glow.
The addition of the new electric truck is part of the Shoprite’s ongoing efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its supply chain, the company said. “It recently acquired more than 100 fuel-efficient Euro 5 compliant trucks in Southern Africa, and more than 900 of its trailers are fitted with solar panels that enable the refrigeration and tailgate lift to continue to run on solar power when the truck is switched off.
