First electric DHL delivery vans hit South Africa’s streets
DHL Express has partnered with Volkswagen for a pilot test of the ID.Buzz Cargo line-up in South Africa, with four VW-branded electric vans to be placed at DHL service centres in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban for six months.
The carmaker says the pilot test will help it build awareness of its electric vehicles (EVs) in South Africa and receive valuable feedback that is key for Volkswagen’s EV strategy in the country.
“The introduction of the ID.Buzz Cargo test fleet is an effort towards the realisation of Volkswagen Group South Africa’s electric vehicles strategy for the Volkswagen brand in South Africa,” said Volkswagen.
“The test fleet will assist Volkswagen to build awareness of its electric vehicles in South Africa and to obtain learnings that are key for the brand’s electric vehicles strategy.”
The four ID.Buzz Cargo units will be used for a specialised last-mile delivery service that forms part of DHL’s local pilot test of its global zero emissions logistics target.
“DHL Express has committed to achieving zero emission by 2050 through a number of initiatives, one of which is ensuring that we have at least 60% electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries by 2030,” said Jed Michaletos, managing director at DHL Express South Africa.
“As the world’s leading logistics company, we have a responsibility to set an example in our industry and be a sustainability leader.”
Thomas Milz, director of sales and marketing at Volkswagen South Africa, said the partnership marks the start of the carmaker’s long-term plan to launch its EVs in the country gradually.
“At the end of the pilot test, we hope to have gathered sufficient information and insights on the readiness of the local market for the introduction of a commercial electric vehicle such as the ID.Buzz Cargo,” said Milz.
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