DSV Partners With Volvo To Accelerate The Future Of Transport With Its First 8-Ton Electric Truck In South Africa

The vehicle was unveiled on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, during a joint event attended by key leadership and staff from both organisations, marking a significant milestone in DSV and Volvo’s sustainability journey and their ongoing partnership.

Three new Volvo 8-ton electric trucks will be joining DSV’s fleet in support of its Air & Sea operations, continuing its successful electric journey that began three years ago with an electric van and later a 4-ton electric truck. These additions mean that 15% of its fleet will now be fully electric – reinforcing DSV’s ambition to deliver smarter, cleaner and more sustainable solutions to its customers.

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

During operational trials at DSV, these new 8-ton electric trucks demonstrated an average energy consumption of just over 1kWh per kilometre, with a maximum range of 230km on a charge. Their efficient operating range and fast-charging capability make them well suited to the division’s daily operational needs, while ensuring minimal downtime and maintaining service reliability for customers.

Gordon Wyatt, CEO of Air & Sea for the Middle East and Africa region, shared: “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.”

As part of its wider sustainability strategy in South Africa, DSV is also expanding its electric fleet in support of its road operations. By the end of 2025, five new Volvo Trucks’ electric tractors will join the fleet, with one more expected to arrive in January 2026, strengthening the partnership with Volvo and offering customers further sustainable transport solutions.

Extensive operational studies comparing electric vehicles with internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles indicate that electric trucks perform particularly well in volume-based operations, making them an ideal fit for DSV’s road business model and sustainability strategy.

Partnering with purpose

This South African milestone follows DSV’s global agreement with Volvo Trucks in 2024 to purchase 300 electric trucks in Europe, bringing the company’s total global electric fleet to around 500 vehicles. The deal was one of the largest commercial orders for Volvo electric trucks at the time and marked an important step in DSV’s efforts to reduce emissions and lead the green transition within the transport sector.

“It is truly inspiring to witness how global transport leaders like DSV are integrating electric trucks into their daily operations, demonstrating that sustainable transport is both practical and efficient in South Africa. We take pride in the role electric trucks play in reducing emissions while creating a quieter, more comfortable working environment for drivers,” said Waldemar Christensen, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks South Africa. “Partnering with a global leader such as DSV on this journey is an honour and a testament to our shared commitment to shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future for transport.”

Both DSV and Volvo Trucks are committed to the science-based targets initiative, which drives ambitious climate action in the private sector. DSV has set a near-term goal to reduce emissions (scope 1 and 2) by 50% and indirect emissions (scope 3) by 30% in 2030 against our 2019 baseline, and – like Volvo – are committed to achieving net-zero emissions in 2050, in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement.