Takealot, embracing sustainability and cost-efficiency, has embarked on a green journey by transitioning to battery-electric trucks to cut emissions and operating expenses. At a recent event in Cape Town, the company welcomed its inaugural fleet of four JAC N75 EV 4-tonne battery-electric trucks in a deal facilitated through Aeversa, a JAC Motors EV dealer, and AVIS, overseeing Takealot transport operations.
At a handover event on Friday, 10 November, at Takealot’s state-of-the-art distribution centre in Kempton Park, equipped with modern distribution technology, six additional JAC N75 EV 4-tonne battery-electric trucks were put into service, further exemplifying the company’s commitment to alternative mobility solutions.
“We’re excited to debut Cape Town’s inaugural battery-electric trucks and are delighted to deliver an additional six JAC N75 EV trucks in Gauteng,” says Reando Potgieter, COO of Aeversa. “After two years of trials and fine-tuning Takealot’s integration strategy, including modelling different JAC EV trucks, we have established the necessary infrastructure and robust back-end support to manage their new emission-free EV fleet.”
In June 2021, JAC Motors introduced its first battery-electric truck in South Africa, closely following the global launch of the JAC N55 EV 3-tonne truck. Aeversa acquired the first JAC N55 EV in South Africa, deploying it for comprehensive testing in diverse transport fleets. This initiative collected valuable data, which was instrumental in crafting efficient charging and EV fleet management ecosystems.
In 2022, the company introduced its new JAC N75 EV 4-tonne truck locally, featuring a 65 kW (130 kW peak power) synchronous electric motor with 415/1,200 Nm of torque. It is powered by a 106.95 kWh LFP battery pack that allows for a reach of 200 km per charge. When a DC Fast Charger with a standard European CCS2-Combo connection is used, the battery is fully recharged in approximately 80 minutes. The JAC N75 EV also features regenerative braking to maximise battery life and range.
“We use Ampcontrol software to address range anxiety, leveraging the JAC N75 EV’s 200 km per charge range to achieve a daily range of over 400 km through opportunistic charging. This cutting-edge software maximises green energy utilisation and significantly reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO) of electric vehicle fleets,” adds Potgieter.
“Takealot sets a progressive benchmark in South African logistics, underlining their pivotal role in embracing eco-friendly deliveries,” says Adrian van Tonder, General Manager of Commercial Fleet and Coastal Sales at AVIS Southern Africa. “This marks a pioneering step for AVIS, and we are both excited and confident in exploring alternative energy solutions to enhance our client’s transport fleet operations in this dynamic landscape.”
The JAC N75 EV is packed with safety features, including ABS (Anti-lock Brake System), AEBS (Advanced Emergency Brake System), ASR (Acceleration Slip Regulation), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), and HAS (Hill Start Assist). It also features a reverse camera, rear parking sensors, and a pedestrian warning system for urban road safety.
“Our battery-electric JAC truck range embodies our vision for a zero-emission future, emphasising efficient, cost-effective options for sustainable transport solutions in our pursuit of a greener tomorrow,” says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa.
The JAC N75 EV offers a payload of 4,050 kg. Its wheelbase is 3,845 mm, and its overall dimensions are 7,025 mm x 2,160 mm x 2,323 mm, providing sufficient space for bodies of approximately 5,000 mm in length. It offers a turning radius of 6.9 meters and a ground clearance of 190 mm.
“As the world of sustainability continues to evolve, we will continue to evolve with it. This exciting collaboration marks an important step for us as a consciously innovative business in South Africa,” says Frederik Zietsman, CEO of Takealot.
“Backed by the Forest Stewardship Council, introducing electric trucks into our business reinforces our commitment to sustainability. We don’t just deliver packages; we are delivering on our promise to reduce our carbon footprint and provide a sustainable shopping solution to our customers,” adds Zietsman.
“The JAC N75 EV, globally recognised and trusted by leading companies with extensive distribution networks, offers a 50 percent reduction in fuel/energy expenses and a 70 percent lower maintenance cost than conventional ICE trucks. It is an attractive investment for transport operators considering the switch to battery-electric trucks,” concludes Göbel.
