South Africa gets its first all-electric Superlink truck

DHL Supply Chain has launched Africa’s first electric Superlink truck in South Africa, in partnership with Unilever and Volvo Trucks. The pilot project aims to test the performance, sustainability and economic viability of heavy-duty EVs on standard logistics routes in Africa’s emerging EV infrastructure environment.

The deployment of the fully electric Volvo FMX 6X4 tractor with an 18-metre curtain-sided Superlink double trailer is part of a pilot project, which began operations on 1 August 2025. According to the logistics provider, it is the first Superlink electric truck in Africa.

During the trial, the electric truck will operate on standard logistics routes and be charged using infrastructure provided by Aeversa at Unilever facilities. DHL aims to transition to renewable energy for charging in future deployments, further reducing the vehicle’s carbon footprint. Trial data will be benchmarked against DHL’s existing Euro 5 diesel fleet.

According to DHL, the pilot could shape its sustainability strategies and may accelerate the broader adoption of electric trucks across its operations in Africa, supporting the company’s goal of low-carbon logistics in emerging markets.

“This pilot underscores DHL’s commitment to sustainable logistics and transport solutions despite infrastructure challenges in Africa,” said Bremer Pauw, Managing Director of DHL Supply Chain Africa. “While limitations remain in scaling EV solutions, strategic partnerships like this enable us to test and capitalize on the technologies available today, proving that low-carbon logistics can be possible, even in emerging markets.”

The joint press release notes that the electric tractor represents Volvo Trucks’ latest step in advanced emission-reduction technologies for freight transport. “As part of our sustainability commitment, we’ve proactively introduced cleaner transport solutions, including assembling Euro 5 trucks locally ahead of regulation,” said Eric Parry, Senior Manager Sustainable Solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa. “This pilot reflects our belief that collaboration is key to accelerating Africa’s transition to sustainable freight transport.”

“Unilever is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across our operations by 2039. Collaborations such as this pilot with DHL and Volvo Trucks are crucial steps toward reaching our sustainability objectives, enabling us to test and implement innovative transportation solutions that foster a greener supply chain,” added Simphiwe Dlamini, National Transport Manager, Unilever South Africa.

dhl.com