DSV launches its first 8-ton electric truck with Volvo in South Africa

DSV has deployed its first 8-ton electric truck in South Africa in partnership with Volvo Trucks. Three vehicles will join the company’s Air & Sea fleet following operational trials, supported by on-site solar generation and battery storage infrastructure.

Dsv volvo trucks electric trucks south africa — Image: DSV

An additional three Volvo 8-ton electric trucks will be added to DSV’s fleet in support of its Air & Sea operations. The deployment follows earlier electrification measures introduced three years ago, including an electric van and a 4-ton electric truck. With the new vehicles, 15 per cent of DSV’s fleet in South Africa will now be fully electric.

During operational trials at DSV, the 8-ton electric trucks recorded an average energy consumption of just over 1 kWh per kilometre and achieved a maximum range of 230 kilometres per charge. The vehicles are supported by the installation of solar power systems and a battery energy storage system at major DSV sites in South Africa.

As part of its wider electrification programme, DSV is also expanding electric mobility within its road operations. By the end of 2025, five Volvo electric tractors are scheduled to join the fleet, with a further vehicle planned for delivery in January 2026. Operational studies cited by the company indicate that electric trucks perform particularly well in volume-based transport operations.

“We are proud to unveil our first Volvo 8-ton electric truck in partnership with Volvo Trucks SA,” commented Melanie Smit, Vice President Air & Sea, Sub-Saharan Africa. “As the first of its kind for both organisations in South Africa, it represents an important step forward in delivering on our sustainability commitments.”

Gordon Wyatt, CEO of Air & Sea for the Middle East and Africa region, added: “This investment along with the installation of solar and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at our major sites in South Africa, moves us further along our sustainability journey and strengthens our ability to support customers with efficient, low-emission transport solutions that reflect DSV’s global strategy and values.”

The South African deployment follows DSV’s global agreement with Volvo Trucks in 2024 to purchase 300 electric trucks in Europe, bringing its global electric fleet to around 500 vehicles.

dsv.com