- Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) drives innovation by taking its first step towards CO2 neutral transportation with the introduction of their battery electric trucks.
- Charged and ready, Mercedes-Benz Trucks launches and opens the order book for its eActros range in South Africa.
- Zero noise, Zero Emission, FUSO launches its eCanter in South Africa and continues its customer trials.
In line with Daimler Truck’s global ambition to offer 100% CO2 neutral trucks and buses by 2050, DTSA introduced its first fully battery-electric truck range in the presence of media, customers, dealers, and key stakeholders at an exclusive event in Lanseria. Launched at the event was the Mercedes-Benz eActros 300, comprising a 4×2 and 6×2 rigid, along with a truck tractor variant. Also launched was the eActros 400 6×2 rigid and eCanter range. This comprehensive range offers zero emission during operation and focusses on light and heavy-duty distribution applications for now until local vehicle weight and length legislation allows the introduction of long-haul application vehicles. The eActros range is immediately available for sale to customers, with the strong backing of the DTSA team to ensure customer readiness, and effective running of these vehicles in their operations.
In addition, DTSA announced its ongoing strategic plans for the FUSO eCanter range, which entails the roll-out of extended collaborative trials with its customers. With a portfolio that comprises 6 units, each unit will be allocated to a customer for a three-month trial period, specifically for in-city distribution. The objective of these extended trials is for customers to establish performance and infrastructure requirements to successfully run battery electric trucks in their fleet. The FUSO eCanter journey in South Africa commenced in 2020, when the brand became the first OEM to bring a 100% electric truck to South Africa, paving the way for electric truck homologation in the country and establishing a strong foothold for DTSA. The eCanter will be available for sale on operating lease after the completion of customer trials.
“The launch of the eActros and the eCanter in South Africa is a massive feat for us. While we know that to reach our ultimate goal of offering 100% CO2 neutral products by 2050 will require various zero emission technologies, this launch represents the vital first step for us in building a sustainable future for transportation. We look forward to customer feedback to better support them as we tread new grounds.” Maretha Gerber, President and Group CEO, Daimler Truck Southern Africa commented.
She continues, “a significant investment from various parties as well as support and collaboration across the industry is required to make battery electric truck operations a viable solution in South Africa, especially when it comes to charging infrastructure. DTSA welcome initiatives, public or private, that contributes to EV charging for trucks as a catalyst for electric trucks adoption.”