Volvo Trucks expands electric footprint

Volvo Trucks South Africa has handed over two battery-electric FH 6x4 truck tractors to Vector Logistics, a key player in the country’s cold chain sector, marking a significant step in decarbonising heavy-duty transport. The vehicles form the backbone of Vector’s inaugural fully electric fleet, featuring e-axle trailers and electrified refrigeration systems designed to achieve net-zero operational emissions.

With a combined gross weight of 48,6 tonnes, the trucks boast three electric motors generating 496 kW and 2 400 Nm of torque, powered by six batteries offering 540 kW/h capacity. Adapted with a sleeper cab accommodating three seats, the models will handle local distribution in Gauteng and Cape Town. Vector has installed high-speed DC charging stations at depots, enabling a 200 km-300 km range per charge — sufficient for daily urban routes.

Waldemar Christensen, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s Managing Director, highlighted the partnership’s alignment on sustainability: “Vector’s electrification drive mirrors our commitment to innovation. Together, we’re redefining logistics for a cleaner future.”

Tailored through collaboration with Volvo, the solution addresses Vector’s specific needs, from route efficiency to battery management. Christensen emphasised the focus on “maximising uptime and productivity,” integral for cold chain operations where reliability is critical.

Eric Parry, Volvo’s Sustainable Solutions Manager, noted the trucks’ quieter performance as a boon for urban deliveries: “Imagine supermarkets or restaurants — reduced noise means fewer disruptions.” Enhanced manoeuvrability, courtesy of Volvo Dynamic Steering, and seamless power delivery in stop-start traffic further suit metro environments.

Despite South Africa’s grid challenges, Parry stressed strategic planning: “Charging can align with schedules, even during load-shedding. Returning to depots simplifies energy management, offering cost certainty.”

Vector’s drivers have undergone specialised training to optimise electric vehicle performance, with further sessions planned. The trucks match Volvo’s diesel safety standards, incorporating identical crash protections and systems.

As global carbon regulations tighten, electric fleets gain traction for enabling off-peak deliveries and accessing restricted zones. Volvo’s electric range — including FH, FM, and FMX models — cater to diverse configurations, supporting industries aiming to cut emissions.

“Environmental responsibility has always driven us,” added Christensen. “Electrifying transport isn’t just a goal — it’s our legacy.”

With this move, Vector Logistics joins a growing cohort of firms leveraging electrification to meet climate targets while enhancing urban air quality and operational efficiency. As night-time deliveries and silent running become assets, the shift signals a charged future for South African logistics.

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Meet South Africa’s Youngest Long-Haul Fleet Owner – And She’s Driving Change

Durban, South Africa – At just 21 years old, Kiara Baijnath has already achieved what many in the trucking industry spend decades working towards. She’s the proud owner of five brand-new Volvo FH extra heavy trucks, each decked out in bold pink branding and matching double-link trailers. These eye-catching vehicles mark the launch of HerWay Logistics, Baijnath’s new long-haul transport company set to shake up the male-dominated industry.

Her passion for trucking was sparked at an early age, riding alongside her grandfather in his old truck as he delivered crops to the local farmer’s market. “Even back then, I told him that one day I wanted to drive my own truck,” she recalls.

Kiara Baijnath (centre) takes ownership of five brand-new FH extra heavy trucks, presented by Herman Steyn, Volvo Trucks Sales Executive (left) and Anders Friberg, Director of New Truck Sales at Volvo Trucks South Africa (right). 

That dream never faded. After finishing school, Baijnath began crafting a business plan focused on establishing a female-led haulage operation that would train and employ women drivers. With the backing of her supportive parents—who helped her with initial funding—she approached Volvo Trucks in Durban, expecting a tough sell.

“I was bracing myself for rejection, but to my surprise, the team was just as excited as I was,” she says. “They immediately started brainstorming and setting up timelines, which only fuelled my own enthusiasm.”

Her bold vision soon grew bigger, with a fleet of high-tech trucks that could compete for major contracts from day one. HerWay Logistics’ vehicles come equipped with Volvo Connect, a fleet management system that allows her to monitor everything from mechanical performance to driver behaviour remotely.

Herman Steyn, Sales Executive at Volvo Trucks Durban, explains, “Volvo Connect helps operators run a more efficient and profitable transport business. It’s a perfect match for forward-thinking entrepreneurs like Kiara.”

Anders Friberg, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s Director of New Truck Sales, agrees. “The new generation of fleet owners understand the power of technology in trucking. Kiara, for example, has already calculated that driving just a little more efficiently—saving 400 metres per litre—could cut fuel costs by R100,000 per truck per year. That’s the kind of smart thinking we love to see.”

HerWay Logistics officially hits the road on 1st February, starting with long-haul deliveries between Durban and Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s busiest routes. But Baijnath and her team have even bigger plans, aiming to expand into neighbouring countries with the support of Volvo Trucks’ service network across sub-Saharan Africa.

“We’ve structured our business and service agreements to allow cross-border operations,” she explains. “Beyond that, we’ll be working on our driver-training programme. Women’s empowerment and road safety are non-negotiable for us.”

And those bright pink trucks? They won’t just stand out on the road; they’ll serve as a statement. “They’ll be hard to miss, and that’s the point,” Baijnath says. “We want people to know we’re here, we’re serious, and we’re doing things differently.”

HerWay Logistics’ headquarters is based in Prospecton, Durban, with plans to establish depots across South Africa as the business grows. With its fresh approach and strong backing, it’s clear that this young entrepreneur is set to drive change in more ways than one.

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Volvo Trucks get five star rating

In a historic first, the European consumer testing organisation Euro NCAP has evaluated the safety of extra-heavy commercial trucks, with Volvo Trucks' flagship models — the Volvo FH and Volvo FM — achieving the top rating of five stars, with the Volvo FM achieving the highest overall score among all tested trucks.

The Volvo FH and FM Aero models excelled across all safety metrics, earning the prestigious City Safe award, which recognises vehicles designed to protect vulnerable road users in urban environments.

“This remarkable achievement confirms Volvo Trucks’ leadership in safety,” said Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks. “Safety is one of our core values and has been a cornerstone of our heritage since the company’s inception. With every new product, we push the boundaries to make our trucks even safer.”

Setting a New Benchmark for Truck Safety

Euro NCAP’s five-star rating underscores Volvo Trucks’ exemplary performance in key areas such as driver support and collision avoidance, enhancing safety for both drivers and road users. The City Safe criteria further highlight the Volvo FM and FH's superior visibility and active safety systems, crucial for navigating urban traffic.

Anna Wrige Berling, Volvo Trucks’ Director of Traffic and Product Safety, emphasised the broader impact of these results. “This recognition validates our commitment to exceeding legal safety standards as we strive towards a future with zero accidents involving our trucks. Euro NCAP ratings will not only help customers make informed decisions but also encourage manufacturers to innovate continuously.”

Global Safety Standards Reflect Volvo’s Commitment

Volvo Trucks extends these safety innovations globally, including in South Africa, where the same rigorous standards apply despite differing local regulations. By investing in advanced safety systems and training, the company aims to enhance road safety and protect all road users.

Euro NCAP, established in 1996 and headquartered in Belgium, is renowned for setting the safety benchmark for passenger vehicles across Europe. With its first foray into heavy commercial vehicles, the organisation assessed trucks across three key areas:

- Safe driving: Including driver monitoring, vision systems, and speed assistance.
- Collision avoidance: Evaluating performance in avoiding crashes with cars, pedestrians, and cyclists, as well as low-speed manoeuvring and lane departure incidents.
- Post-crash readiness: Focusing on rescue information and emergency response.

Euro NCAP plans to expand its truck testing criteria to include crash protection and vehicles across different transport segments, further raising the bar for safety standards.

Volvo Trucks’ success in these inaugural tests underscores its dedication to road safety and innovation, setting a new benchmark for the global trucking industry.

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Volvo FH 750hp Truck Delivered to Wardens Cartage in South Africa | Colin on Cars

Volvo Trucks has marked a significant milestone recently with the delivery of South Africa’s very first Volvo FH 750hp Version 6 XXL cab to its long-standing customer, Wardens Cartage. The handover of the truck, a Euro 5 6X4 tractor unit, was held at a special VIP ceremony at the renowned World of Volvo in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Wardens Cartage, a Volvo Trucks customer for 20 years, received the vehicle, which comes equipped with full air suspension and Volvo's latest-generation Globetrotter XXL cab. The truck’s 16-litre engine delivers 551 kW, designed to handle heavy-duty loads across challenging terrains, ensuring both productivity and safety on the road.

Anders Friberg, Director of New Truck Sales at Volvo Trucks South Africa, highlighted the importance of the model: “The Volvo FH16 is our most powerful truck, built to tackle the toughest jobs where extra horsepower and torque are essential. Its D16 engine and enhanced driver comfort features are perfectly aligned with the demands of our customers, ensuring high levels of productivity and safety.”

Wardens Cartage, a specialist in the transportation of petroleum and petrochemical products, has been providing vital logistics services for 47 years. The company’s transport network spans not only across South Africa but also into neighbouring countries including Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia and even as far as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their fleet carries a range of essential products such as aviation fuel, oils, lubricants and food-grade items.

Commenting on the handover, Per Erik Lindström, Senior Vice President of Volvo Trucks International, expressed pride in the partnership: “It is an honour to present this new-generation truck to Wardens Cartage. As one of our most loyal customers, this event signifies an important moment for both of us, as we bring this advanced model to South African shores. We believe that success starts with the driver, and we wish Wardens many safe and productive miles ahead.”

Pragasen Govender, General Manager at Wardens Cartage, shared his thoughts on the momentous occasion: “It’s a proud day for our company to take delivery of this remarkable vehicle in Gothenburg, the home of Volvo Trucks. We have consistently chosen Volvo for its reliability, exceptional service, and focus on driver and fleet safety. This latest addition will undoubtedly enhance our operations and enable us to continue growing our business.”

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Volvo Trucks to trial hydrogen

In South Africa, there are several green hydrogen projects at various stages of development, as carmakers and truck companies continue testing work on the alternative energy source to establish feasibility, especially in the harsh operating conditions over long distances that make the Southern tip of Africa unique.

“Some notable examples are the ‘Hydrogen Valley’ feasibility study conducted by the DSI with partner companies, as well as the ‘Boegoebaai Hydrogen Cluster’ in the Northwest Province,” says Eric Parry, Senior Manager of Sustainable Solutions at Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Projects like these will enable the introduction and testing of hydrogen-fuelled commercial vehicles in South Africa.”

Volvo Trucks maintains that no single solution can solve climate change. Interest in sustainable transport solutions is growing locally, and the initial adopters in South Africa are companies that prioritise their environmental impact and already have emission reduction programmes in place.

Volvo Trucks is developing hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks. Road tests with these hydrogen combustion engine trucks will commence in 2026, with a global commercial launch planned towards the end of the decade. Trucks powered by green hydrogen represent a significant step towards Volvo's net zero goal and support customers in achieving their decarbonisation targets.

Switching from fossil fuels to green hydrogen is one method to decarbonise transport. Hydrogen trucks are particularly suitable for long distances and areas where charging infrastructure is limited, or where there is insufficient time for battery recharging.

Volvo will begin customer trials of trucks using hydrogen in combustion engines in 2026, with commercial availability anticipated by the decade's end. Ongoing testing is already being conducted in laboratories and vehicles.These hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will complement Volvo’s other offerings, including battery electric trucks, fuel cell electric trucks, and trucks running on renewable fuels like biogas and HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil).

“Trucks with traditional internal combustion engines running on hydrogen will deliver the same performance and reliability as our diesel trucks, but with the added benefit of potentially low CO2 emissions from well-to-wheel. They will be a valuable addition to our battery electric trucks, which have been on the market for several years,” says Jan Hjelmgren, Head of Product Management and Quality at Volvo Trucks.

Volvo trucks powered by green hydrogen combustion engines have the potential to achieve net zero CO2 emissions when using renewable HVO as an ignition fuel and are classified as ‘Zero Emission Vehicles’ (ZEV) under the new EU CO2 emission standards.

“It’s clear that a variety of technologies are needed to decarbonise heavy transport. As a global truck manufacturer, we need to support our customers by offering a range of decarbonisation solutions, allowing customers to choose the best option based on their transport assignment, available infrastructure, and green energy prices,” says Hjelmgren.

Volvo's hydrogen-powered combustion engine trucks will employ High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI), a technology where a small amount of ignition fuel is injected at high pressure to enable compression ignition before hydrogen is added. This technology offers higher energy efficiency, lower fuel consumption, and increased engine power.

Volvo Group has signed an agreement with Westport Fuel Systems to establish a joint venture utilising HPDI technology. This joint venture is expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2024, following formal closing.

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New tech for Volvo trucks

New technology is being added to the full range of Volvo extra heavy trucks along with a bit of a front end refresh with a large and more prominent ‘Iron Mark’ – these, however only destined for local release in the fourth quarter.

“The extra heavy Volvo trucks are icons in the industry and with the latest upgrades I am confident we will further strengthen our position in this segment”, comments Roger Alm, President Volvo Trucks. “Our skilled engineers have done a tremendous job in fine-tuning our heavy-duty trucks for reduced CO2 emissions, improved safety and even better productivity and customer satisfaction.”

Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa, says: “Regardless of which powertrain a customer chooses – electric, gas or diesel – all variants of Volvo's extra heavy trucks will benefit from a high level of efficiency, safety and driving experience.”

An advanced new Camera Monitor System contributes to both better aerodynamics and improved safety. This new solution, which will be available locally, as an option, will replace traditional exterior mirrors and in the process give the driver a wider visual field and thus improve safety for both the driver and surrounding road users.

“The camera system has a positive impact on the driver’s visibility in rainy and dark conditions, as well as in direct sunlight and when driving in tunnels. When pulling a trailer, the camera system also has an auto-panning function that zooms in on the turning trailer,” explains Christensen. “This feature will be particularly relevant in local driving conditions where trucks often travel on unlit roads and challenging weather conditions.”

Other updates on Volvo FH, FM and FMX models:

- Volvo’s I-See technology has been refined to save energy and carbon emissions, using a cloud based topographic map to optimise the driving and enabling more driving time in cruise control mode that can both save energy and give more relaxed driving.

- Updated brakes with Volvo patented drag-free brake discs, pads and hubs, improving the braking capacity, reducing energy consumption and emissions.

- Upgraded user-friendly infotainment system that can be personalised depending on individual needs.

- Improved sound system, available with six premium high-quality speakers, a new power amplifier and a subwoofer adding massive power to the sound experience.

- A new built-in navigation system will be offered with improved maps adapted to truck-specific needs, with automatic map updates enabling efficient delivery of goods.

- Interior updates also include an integrated microwave oven and USB-C power outlets.

- Volvo Trucks’ My Business Apps offering has been introduced to more markets. This is a subscription-based service that enables customers to download business-related apps from different providers, and use them in the trucks’ side display, bringing real benefits to the uptime and everyday use of the truck.

- The new Tire Monitoring Service gives fleet operators a complete view of the truck and trailer through Volvo Connect, reducing the risk of costs and disturbances related to tire issues.
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Volvo wins Truck of the Year

The Volvo FH Electric Truck - introduced locally in June - has become the first electric example to win the International Truck of the Year Competition.

Volvo’s heavy electric truck, the Volvo FH Electric, has been selected as International Truck of the Year 2024. In explaining their decision, the jury praised the electric truck’s performance, seamless acceleration, quietness and vibration-free behavior.

“With the introduction of the FH Electric, Volvo Trucks has delivered a state-of-the-art battery electric vehicle range, suitable for a wide array of transport operations. It's proof that the energy transition is gaining strength even in today's challenging business environment,” says Gianenrico Griffini, Chairman, International Truck of the Year.

Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks, commented: “I am so very proud of this recognition that our Volvo FH Electric has won this highly respected award. For the first time in history the transport industry has chosen an electric vehicle as Truck of the Year. The Volvo FH Electric represents a new era in trucking and winning this award clearly shows that the shift to zero emission transport is happening here and now,” commented Roger Alm.

“I sincerely want to thank everyone who has contributed to this success. It’s based on great teamwork with passion and dedication among our fantastic colleagues within the Volvo Group, and close cooperation with our valued customers, partners and suppliers.”

This is the fourth time that Volvo’s iconic FH model has been named Truck of the Year. The Volvo FH is one of the industry's most successful models ever with nearly 1,4-million trucks sold worldwide.

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Volvo Trucks FH turns 30

Volvo Trucks’ best selling unit ever – with more than 25 000 sold locally – the FH is 30 years old and looks set to move into the next 30 without slowing its pace.

Volvo FH is one of the industry's most successful models ever with nearly 1,4-million trucks sold, in around 80 markets all over the world and has been a favourite among truck drivers for many years, especially for those who spend a good portion of their lives on the road.

Customer-focused

“Volvo FH is the perfect representation of a customer-focused mindset and a model that has been pushing the boundaries globally for 30 years. In all crucial areas such as driver comfort, fuel efficiency, safety and productivity, we have never stopped improving this truck,” says Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “We are also very proud to have been assembling this range at our Durban plant since 2006.”

It was launched with a totally new chassis, using a design that facilitated flexible solutions for different transport applications. The driveline had a completely new 12-litre engine (16-litre for the Volvo FH16) and the all-new cab offered outstanding aerodynamics and driver comfort. 

Innovations

The innovations have continued through the years, always with the Volvo values of safety, quality and care for the environment as the starting point. Innovation milestones over the past three decades include the driver’s crash bag, the automated gearbox solution I-Shift and Volvo Dynamic Steering, which provides effortless steering and great manoeuvrability.

On the exterior design side, the rear-view mirrors with a unique slim design that gives better direct vision for the driver, and the V shaped headlamps, offering both improved visibility and comfort for the driver while giving the truck its distinctive appearance, are two examples of how Volvo technology and design are used to add valuable benefits for the driver.

Transformed

“The first-generation Volvo FH was a game changer that totally transformed the concept of a modern truck. Since then, we have continued to set new standards in trucking and launched five further generations of this truck,” says Christensen.

“We believe our success formula has been to make use of the very latest technology in a way that always adds clear benefits for our customers and drivers. As proof of our successful continuous improvement efforts and constant evolution, the Volvo FH is the only truck that has been selected ‘International Truck of the Year’ three times.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Volvo delivers first electric truck in South Africa

The first electric trucks from Volvo Trucks South Africa have officially hit the road with KDG Logistics, which is responsible for much of the car carrier transport locally, getting the keys to an FM 4x2 Tractor.

Volvo is offering its most popular extra heavy trucks in its electric line-up – the Volvo FH, the Volvo FM, and the Volvo FMX. They will be available in truck tractor or rigid configurations, from 4x2 to 8x4, giving it the industry’s most extensive portfolio of zero exhaust emission trucks.

“Volvo Trucks has been committed to social, environmental, and economic responsibility since the start of our company,” says Waldemar Christensen, managing director of Volvo Trucks South Africa.

“Now, protecting the environment is the biggest challenge we face. The Volvo Group is a leading force in the shift towards the electrification of the transportation, mobility, and equipment sectors, making a real impact on our customers’ efforts to reduce their carbon footprint.”

In total, the Swedish truck manufacturer has sold almost 5 000 electric trucks since 2019 in about 40 countries.

Surprised

Christensen said the company was pleasantly surprised by the amount of local interest in its electric trucks, and that the first movers in South Africa are companies that value their environmental impact and already have programs to reduce emissions.

“The size of the company is largely irrelevant. Transporters can see that electric drivelines are going to play a bigger role in our near future, and many want to get early exposure on how the technology works in real operations, so they are positioned well for the shift,” he says.

“There is also no single silver bullet transport solution that can address all the fleet owner's requirements. Therefore, Volvo Trucks offers gas-fuelled trucks, electric trucks and fuel cell trucks under its three-pronged approach. We believe electrification will happen segment by segment and region by region.”

“Our move to electric trucks was driven by our objective to be more efficient in every aspect of our business,” says Abdool Kamdar, KDG Logistics’ manager of Decarbonization and Net Zero.

“We believe what sets us apart from our competitors is the fact that we focus on operational and environmental efficiencies in our business, which includes steps to lessen our impact on the environment and enhance safety for all road users.”

Relationship

The KDG Group has a long standing relationship with Volvo Trucks and has 175 diesel units in its fleet already.

Eric Parry, Volvo Trucks SA’s sustainable solutions manager, said the trucks have been designed, developed and built to handle any major commercial operation that South African companies need to deal with.

“Our trucks are designed to handle high temperature ranges and a variety of operational conditions. With a driveline that has 490 kW or power and 2 400 Nm of torque, it will not struggle on the hills,” says Parry.

“One of the main advantages of going electric is it provides drivers with a silent and vibration-free ride while delivering smooth and massive power.”

Depending on the model, two or three electric motors combined with an I-Shift gearbox adapted for electromobility provide the drive.

Control

The power is handled by a traction control system also developed to master slippery surfaces. Different drive modes are available to set the desired performance, comfort and energy usage levels.

When fitted with six battery packs, depending on the application, it has 378 kWh of energy, ensuring sufficient range for most regional haul assignments.

Volvo’s electric trucks also meet the same high crash safety standards as the company’s other trucks and offer the same safety systems as the diesel models.

A Volvo electric truck will need to be serviced only once a year, so fleet downtime will be kept to a minimum. The company has also installed 120 kW DC fast chargers at each of its main dealerships, primarily as a workshop tool, but also to support demo vehicles if needed.

The Volvo electric truck’ range is up to 300 km, enough for most city and regional applications. However, the trucks can cover up to 500 km during a normal workday if a top-up charge is added, for example during the lunch break.

Volvo’s electric trucks can be charged with an AC charger (for example a charging box) at up to 43 kW and with a DC system (stationary charging station) with a capacity of up to 250 kW.

Using a 43 kW AC charger, it takes around nine hours to fully charge the batteries. With a 250 kW DC charger, the charging time is reduced to approximately two hours. The battery can be charged more quickly up to 80% capacity, in just the same way as a smartphone, because the charger slows down towards the end of the process to protect the battery cells.

Question

The question on everybody’s minds in South Africa is a lack of a consistent supply of electricity and how operators can work around this challenge to efficiently operate electric trucks.

“In a way, we believe it is all down to planning,” said Parry. “Operators will have the necessary tools to plan their charging options according to their workload and routes, even though there is load shedding.

“In addition, most of the first movers already have some sort of off-grid power solution and in a lot of cases, they can be upgraded to supplement grid charging.”

Parry explained at this stage, the electric trucks are mostly aimed at regional distribution customers. In most of those cases, they return to a home base at some point in the day. This is usually the point where charging makes the most sense. So public charging is not as relevant for these operations. Having control of their own charging allows customers to fix their costs of energy.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Electric Volvo truck on the road

The first electrically-powered extra-heavy Volvo truck is on South African roads as part of the homologation testing ahead of delivery to the first customer, KDG Logistics.

Eric Parry, Volvo Trucks SA’s sustainable solutions manager, took the Volvo FM 4x2 truck-tractor through its paces on a trip from the company’s dealer in Durban to its facilities in Johannesburg – a 600 km journey, with only one stop for charging.

“We aimed to prove that an extra heavy electric truck like this, can drive long distances. Even though we did not carry any payload, it still gave us a good indication of just what this truck is capable of,” says Parry. “Generally, battery electric trucks are used in regional distribution, operating in and around cities, running from distribution centres to stores, etc. But with proper planning, customers will be able to do so much more.”

Volvo Trucks South Africa is bringing in its complete extra-heavy electric truck range, which includes FH, FM and FMX models in truck-tractor and rigid configurations. Axle combinations will also include 4x2 through to 8x4 models. The full load on the first FM units will be 44 tonnes GCM (Gross Combination Mass). With a drive line that has 490 kW of power and 2 400 Nm of torque, it will definitely not struggle to get the job done.

“Locally, there has been a lot of activity and interest around electromobility, a lot quicker than we anticipated, and the enthusiasm and opportunities in South Africa are there,” says Sally Rutter, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s sales director. “Irrespective of local challenges when it comes to loadshedding and infrastructure, a lot of customers are looking at setting up their own charging infrastructures to accommodate electromobility and their own sustainability goals.”

“These trucks can run meaningful kilometres in a day and if you have your charging set-up optimised, you can extend that range quite comfortably and match your operations to it,” added Parry. “Within regional operations, public charging is not relevant for these types of fleets and having control of their own charging will allow customers to fix their energy costs.”

Volvo Trucks electric trucks are designed to operate in a wide range of climates and environments. This includes higher altitudes and warmer conditions typically found in South Africa.

“These electric trucks will be working commercial vehicles, and are designed to be treated and driven as such,” said Parry. “We are excited about Volvo Trucks’ electromobility future in South Africa.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Gas powered Volvo trucks for local users

Volvo Trucks is now launching a new, stronger gas-powered truck that can run on liquified biogas and can carry out demanding, long distance transport tasks, while reducing overall CO2 emissions. The range will also be available for order by South African customers.

Five years ago, Volvo Trucks launched its trucks that can run on liquified biogas, often called bio-LNG, which is a renewable fuel that can be produced from many types of organic waste, including food scraps. The fuel can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 100%.

“Biogas is a great complement to electric transports, helping hauliers with their sustainability ambitions and aims towards climate neutral transports,” says Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “That is especially true for Southern Africa, where fleets need to travel long distances to deliver cargo across the region for which bio-LNG trucks, with their larger 225kg fuel tanks and a range of up to 1 000km, would be ideal.”

The gas-powered trucks, the Volvo FH and FM are getting a new power level of 500 hp, joining the previous 420 and 460 hp engines. The gas engines also get major technical upgrades that makes them up to 4% more fuel efficient, which together with a new 10% larger gas tank, contributes to a longer range.

The efficient gas-powered trucks have a performance comparable to their diesel equivalents. Fuelling up is almost as fast as a diesel truck.

Eric Parry, Sustainability Solutions Manager at Volvo Trucks South Africa, points out that there is no single solution that can solve climate change. 

“The strengthened gas-powered line up fits well with Volvo Trucks three-path strategic roadmap to reach zero emissions: battery electric trucks, fuel cell trucks and combustion engines that run on renewable fuels like biogas, HVO or even green hydrogen,” explains Parry.

In South Africa, the first Volvo electric trucks will arrive in March 2023. However, LNG and Bio-LNG infrastructure, supply and dispensing are still a major challenge in the country.

“Several technical solutions are needed because the availability of energy and fuel infrastructure differs greatly between countries and regions, and also because the requirements for each transport assignment can vary,” comments Parry. “However, locally we are in a position to work with customers and suppliers to bring bio-LNG vehicles in as needed.”

Facts about Volvo’s gas-powered trucks:

- Product models: Volvo FH, FM and FMX (on request).

- Power levels: 420, 460 and 500 hp.

- Fuel: bio-LNG (liquified biogas) or LNG. A small amount of diesel or HVO is used to ignite the gas.

- Range: up to 1 000 km.

- Engine technology: By utilising the diesel engine's high efficiency, the same drivability as a diesel truck is achieved, making it possible to run with high loads and cover long distances.

- The new gas powered Euro6 step E engines are up to 4% more fuel efficient** than the step D engines.

- The gas engines have been completely updated and the increased efficiency is obtained by new injectors and pistons for lowered friction, together with a new turbo, variable oil pump, and Crank Case Ventilation that handles unfiltered oil.

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Colin-on-Cars - The case for remanufactured parts

There is a strong case to be made for transport operators to use remanufactured replacement parts that goes well beyond the simple cost saving.

Transport operators have to consider a multitude of fixed and variable factors that have an impact on their cost of operation, and subsequently, their business’ bottom line. These include fuel costs, financing, labour, insurance, maintenance and repair.

When a vital component breaks down the question that inevitably arises is how you should replace it. Repair, buy new or go for a remanufactured part?

To make the right decision for your business it’s vital to consider all your options to essentially solve the same problem.  

“Buying a new part could be your first instinct when something breaks down; after all you want something that works, has a warranty, and is guaranteed to fit your truck. A new part will also come with the latest technology, have the longest life expectancy and work efficiently. 

"But it will also mean a higher price tag and you will have to evaluate how this will impact your operating costs and total cost of ownership of your truck,” says Eric Parry, sustainable solutions manager at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

Eric Parry

When you repair a part, the malfunctioning or worn component gets replaced while the rest stays the same. While repairing can save you money it’s good to be aware repairing also almost always comes with certain downtime as the truck will have to be in the workshop for a while.

Understanding remanufacturing

Before considering whether remanufactured parts are the right option for your business, it’s important to distinguish remanufacturing from rebuilding a piece of equipment.

Remanufacturing is a standardised industrial process in which worn-out parts are returned to a condition that is as good as new in technical specifications and performance. It is usually a good idea to replace heavier components with remanufactured parts as these tend to be more expensive.

Engine, chassis parts, transmission brakes and steering are just a few of such components. When it comes to electronics, starter motors, control units and alternators can be replaced using remanufactured parts as well.

“When we remanufacture parts at Volvo Trucks this process includes dismantling, cleaning, re-machining, assembling and testing the equipment. The process is much like the original manufacturing process, except that some of the components have had a previous life,” says Olga Naert, remanufacturing business development manager at Volvo Trucks.

There are a few reasons why a remanufactured part might be the right investment if you are facing the breakdown of a critical component.

“The most obvious is of course the lower cost compared to a new part. When you buy a reman unit, all parts will be updated with the latest technology,” explained Naert. “Quality is another plus as remanufactured parts meet OEM standards for performance and always comes with a warranty.”

Last but not least, a remanufactured part also has a much lower impact on the environment as a lot less raw material, energy and water is used in the production process.

Concern about the environment and diminishing resources is a great reason to choose remanufacturing.

A newly produced part is made using 100% new raw material whereas a remanufactured part only uses 15% since most of the material comes from the core (the faulty part).

“Using remanufactured parts also saves energy, reduces landfill waste and it means that dangerous residuals inside worn components are taken care of,” adds Parry. “The process of remanufacturing, which is labour intensive, can also be seen as sustainable from a societal perspective as it creates demand for high-skilled jobs.”

In addition to quality and lower cost, remanufactured parts can also be a quick fix compared to repairing thanks to their growing popularity and availability. In fact, choosing a remanufactured part could put you back on the road just as quickly as purchasing a new product.

“At the end of the day whatever purchase strategy you decide on will depend on the specific needs of your business,” explained Parry. “Remanufacturing can be a great option if you are cost sensitive but also want a high-quality product. The cost of a remanufactured part can be up to 50% cheaper than a new one, depending on the type of part.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Fossil-free steel for Volvo Trucks

With around 90% of the truck recyclable at the end of its working life, Volvo Trucks has now become the first manufacturer to use fossil-free steel in the manufacturing process.

The fossil-free steel is produced by the Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB and is made by using a completely new technology with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. The result is a significantly lower climate impact and an important step towards a net-zero emissions value chain. Among the customers that will have fossil-free steel in some of their electric trucks are Amazon and DFDS and, through the transport company Simon Loos, Unilever.

Global

In September this year, Volvo Trucks started series production of heavy-duty electric, 44-tonne trucks, as the first global truck manufacturer to achieve this. Some of the electric trucks will also be the first trucks in the world that are built with fossil-free steel.

“Our journey to net zero emissions includes both making our vehicles fossil free in operation and over time fully replacing the material in our trucks with fossil-free and recycled alternatives,” says Jessica Sandström, Senior Vice President of Product Management at Volvo Trucks.

“At Amazon, we are on the way to making all of our operations net-zero carbon by 2040. We need partners like Volvo to make this transition happen,” says Andreas Marschner, Vice President Transportation Services Europe at Amazon.

“DFDS is committed to our green transition and to delivering greener transport and logistics solutions. Any step in the green transition of logistics brings us closer to a carbon-free society and we are therefore happy to learn that some of our new electric trucks soon to be delivered are also produced with fossil-free steel,” says Niklas Andersson, EVP of DFDS Logistics Division.

The first steel produced with hydrogen is being used in the electric truck’s frame rails, the backbone of the truck upon which all other main components are mounted. As the availability of fossil-free steel increases, it will also be introduced in other parts of the truck.

Recycled

Today, around 30% of the materials in a new Volvo truck come from recycled materials. Also, up to 90% of the truck can be recycled at the end of its life. Fossil-free steel will be an important complement to the traditional and recycled steel used in Volvo’s trucks.

Volvo Trucks is committed to the Paris agreement on climate change and to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in the entire value chain by 2040, at the latest.

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Colin-on-Cars - Volvo Trucks assembles Euro 5 locally

Although Euro 5 truck variants have been available in South Africa since 2012, these are now being assembled at the Volvo Trucks South Africa assembly plant in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

“More customers have ambitions to improve their environmental footprint, which is driving the uptake of Euro 5 models locally,” says Eric Parry, Sustainability Manager at Volvo Trucks SA.

“In general, the Euro 5 engines have a lower fuel consumption than an equivalent Euro 3 unit, which means even though total costs are roughly the same because of the need for AdBlue diesel exhaust fluid on the vehicle, the CO2 emissions are reduced with the lowering of fuel consumption.

“There is also the significant reduction in poisonous gases from the exhaust, which in turn improves the environment around the vehicle.”

Production

Euro 5 assembly at the plant does not come at the expense of the production of the company’s current range, it is complimentary.

Volvo Trucks has initially started with the assembly of Euro 5 level FH truck-tractors, the company’s long-haul icon, as this is the model customers are asking for. More models and configurations will be added over time as fleet owners require them.

“The need for local assembly also arose to reduce the import duty that is applied to full imports. This allows Volvo Trucks the opportunity to offer the cleaner technology in a more competitive way,” comments Parry.

Certain layout changes were made to the facility to accommodate AdBlue filling in trucks, as well as for storage. Additional floor layout adjustments were also done to allow for new procedures like the assembly of AdBlue tanks and special exhaust systems.

Assemble

“Operators have also received advanced training to assemble the new features connected to the Euro 5 specifications. Specialised training was also provided for road testers and product auditors to ensure the highest standards are maintained throughout the assembly and QA processes,” explains Aubrey Rambau, Volvo Trucks Plant Director.

“Quality is the basis of everything we do. From the way we design, manufacture and test our trucks, to the services, parts and people who support them.”

The Volvo Trucks plant has also recently installed a new solar power system to generate renewable energy for the facility. A total of 440 solar panels and two solar inverters will generate 243 kW of power - approximately 60% of the energy needed for the plant.

“At Volvo, environmental care is fundamental to how we do business, and this project is another step in our energy efficiency journey,” says Rambau. “We believe in sustainable transport solutions. And we’re confident that our trucks, services and operations will lead the way there.”

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Colin-on-Cars - Team Sa does well in service competition

Sometimes it is not necessary to come first in a competition to be a winner – and that is what Team South Africa is bringing back from the recent Volvo Trucks global service market competition, Vista, where it finished in eighteenth place.

The winning team at the final in Volvo Trucks’ hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden was team Kiired Insenerid from Estonia followed by teams from Denmark and Sweden.

Global

More than 16 000 technicians in some 4 500 teams from Volvo Trucks and Volvo Buses’ global dealer network, participated in this year’s Vista championship – a global event that was first run back in 1957.

Team South Africa, which was made up of four service specialists and technicians from Volvo Trucks Cape Town, came in a respectable 18th position out of the 43 teams that participated in the world final. 

Improve

“Our mechanics play a key role in contributing to our customer’s success by keeping their trucks on the road, and Vista is a great way for them to improve their workshop skills. I’m very impressed by the technical knowledge of the teams this year and the speed with which they solved the challenges presented to them,” commented Roger Alm, President of Volvo Trucks.

The main objectives of the Vista competition are to encourage competence development and to build team spirit and pride. Highly skilled and motivated technicians enable Volvo Trucks workshops to carry out fault diagnosis and fix trucks’ problems ‘right first time’, promptly and to high-quality standards.

These skills are key in helping customers achieve maximum uptime for their trucks. In the end, this leads to improved customer service.

In the finals held in Gothenburg, 43 teams of technicians and service market staff competed for two days to complete six stations, on topics including CAN Link fault-tracing, I-Shift and bodywork.

Electric

Two stations were VR stations with a focus on electric vehicles, one assignment consisted of installing an electric motor on a truck. The numbers of electric trucks and buses are now quickly growing and safely working with electric motors is an important skill for technicians in practically every workshop around the world.

Waldemar Christensen, MD of Volvo Trucks South Africa, said although the SA team did not walk away from the competition with top honours, they learned invaluable lessons were learnt that will benefit local customers.

“Vista is not only important for Volvo Trucks’ aftermarket personnel, but also of great importance for the entire company. It is a way of showing how much we all value the hard work carried out at our workshops all over the world, and that we invest in what our customers appreciate most – world-class service,” says Christensen.

*Vista stands for Volvo International Service Training Awards. It started in 1957 and was originally a competition for Volvo technicians in Sweden. 20 years later, by 1977 it had reached out across all continents, attracting authorized Volvo dealers from all over the world. Today Vista is a biennial event and the biggest competition for service market personnel in the world.

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Colin-on-Cars - New I-Link auto shifter for Volvo Trucks

Quicker response with shift speed increased by up to 30% is the basis of the faster I-Shift gearbox Volvo Trucks South Africa will be introducing locally next year.

The significant drivability improvement, which has been added to drivelines at all emission levels, is achieved by the new way in which the I-Shift gearbox interacts with the engine.

The update includes faster clutch activation that results in a shorter torque interruption. It also makes the gear shifting smoother, for a more harmonious driving experience.

Faster gear shifting makes it possible to optimise the gear selection more efficiently.

Improvements

"And the more shifting events that the road and terrain require, the more the improvements will be experienced by the driver. With up to 30% faster gear changing now possible using I-Shift, drivers will certainly experience a very positive difference,” says Eric Parry, senior manager of sustainability at Volvo Trucks South Africa.

The high-speed shifting is achieved based on several key improvements.

Sensors

First, updated sensors now provide data with higher accuracy to the control unit, which features new software and a faster microprocessor, for much quicker calculation times. Second, an added disc in the gearbox brake makes it react faster before a gear shift, so it can be done earlier.

Volvo I-Shift gearbox

Finally, the air volume has also been reduced in different actuation systems, for example, the shift forks, the clutch, and the gearbox brake, to further enable a faster gear shift.

Evidence

These latest advances to gain 30% faster gear changes are further evidence of Volvo Trucks’ continuous improvement actions to provide better all-around driveability.

“With all the improvements and new variants over the years, I-Shift has had an outstanding ability to solve more and more advanced tasks in efficient ways. This means not only delivering high performance and fuel efficiency but also outstanding driveability and comfort for the drivers,” added Parry.

Today, all extra heavy Volvo trucks are built with I-Shift as standard. Since its introduction, more than 1-million trucks have been sold globally with I-Shift technology.

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Colin-on-Cars - Saving lives by waving

Sometimes it is the really simple things that save lives.

By teaching young schoolchildren to Stop, Look and Wave, Volvo Trucks South Africa has reached 7 589 learners across South Africa in the past three months.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the lives of approximately 1,3-million people are cut short annually because of a road traffic crash. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged between 5 and 29 years, and more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

Vulnerable

Through the company’s own traffic research analysis of real-life accidents, it became clear that most road accidents involve human behaviour, and that children are the most vulnerable of all road traffic users. 

In 2015, Volvo Trucks took a step towards trying to improve this distressing statistic and launched the Stop Look Wave campaign, also here in South Africa. Since then, tens of thousands of learners in both rural and urban schools across the country have participated in the programme.

“Over the years, Volvo Trucks has developed many pioneering safety features for its products to limit the impact of traffic accidents on people,” says Valentia Hobbs, Volvo Trucks South Africa’s marketing and corporate affairs director. “Stop, Look, Wave is specifically aimed at helping children understand how to best behave around trucks, buses and cars, and to ultimately keep them safe on the roads.”

Discussion

The interactive activations facilitate conversations with the participating children, and the message is brought home through various song and dance activities. 

Discussion and practical demonstrations also include information on the size of trucks and buses, their uses, when and how they operate, as well as the need for road users to be as visible as possible to the truck drivers. 

“Part of the message to the children includes the fact that even though we can see a truck, we cannot be sure that the truck driver sees us due to the vehicle’s height and size,” explained Hobbs. “They are taught to stop, look and if possible, wave at the driver to get his or her attention before crossing a road, even if it is at a pedestrian crossing.”

Safety

Utilising the advances in technology, Volvo Trucks create smart safety systems that are designed to monitor the truck behaviour and surrounding traffic to predict safety hazards and intervene to prevent accidents from happening. 

The systems may be out of sight, but they are engineered to activate and support the driver in various traffic situations, and in the process, make the trucks as safe as possible for the driver and all other road users.

“The Stop, Look, Wave programme is an extension of our vision to provide safer and more efficient transport solutions that form part of a society’s sustainable development,” concluded Hobbs.

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 New intake of women in truck driver training programme

The move to infuse more women into the transport industry continues with a further 30 female candidates joining the Volvo Trucks South Africa Iron Women commercial vehicle driver training programme. 

Iron Women is aimed at enhancing the capacity of professional drivers and to ultimately enable them to contribute to their future employers’ fleet safety, profitability, and efficiency.  This qualification, which is approved by the Transport Education Training Authority, is based on both theoretical and practical modules. 

To date, 40 women have graduated from the programme. 

Marcus Hörberg, vice president of Volvo Group Southern Africa, in his introductory message said the successes of the previous Iron Women instalments have inspired the company to continue the programme, and in the process create real change in society. 

“Over the past couple of years, the successful Iron Women candidates have proven their worth and are employed by some of the leading transport and logistics companies in South Africa,” says Hörberg. “We wish our new candidates every success and know they will go on to make a lasting and positive impact on our industry.” 

Prof H Mkhize, deputy minister of the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, said in her relayed message that according to Statistics South Africa, economic data indicates the transport, storage, and communication sector contributes 9,3% to South Africa's GDP. 

“Whilst transport alone contributes about 6,5% to employment creation in South Africa, women are severely underrepresented in this industry. It is therefore important that we support the establishment of initiatives that will help increase the pool of skilled women drivers in the country,” says Prof Mkhize. 

Volvo Trucks’ Iron Women programme will also form part of the Women Inspiring Women to Lead in Transport initiative (WIWLT), that will see 120 female professionals, 300 entrepreneurs and 495 truck drivers being trained and mentored over a three-year period. 

The initiative led by the Commercial Transport Academy (CTA) is supported by United States Agency for International Development (USAID). 

“The reality is that greater participation of women within the sector is important for diversification, yet the last recorded data from StatsSA suggests that women only make up around 17.5% of the working population,” says Nicci Scott, CTA’s Founder. “This reinforces that the sector remains a non-traditional environment for women.” 

“Our programme provides an opportunity for greater community upliftment, as we know that when women are developed, empowered, and have access to equal employment opportunities, it increases diversity and equal payment opportunities,” she concluded.