Driving on Sunshine: How Takealot Cracked the Code on Solar-Powered Fleet Economics

When Takealot made the leap to electric delivery vehicles, they didn't stop at swapping diesel for batteries. They went further, asking a question that most fleet operators overlook: Why charge from the grid when you can charge from the sun?

The result? A solar-powered electric fleet operation at their Johannesburg distribution center that's redefining what sustainable logistics actually looks like — and proving that energy independence isn't just an environmental win, it's a financial one.

At Aeversa, we call this approach Driving on Sunshine.

Beyond Grid Dependency: The Real Cost of Energy Uncertainty

For logistics operators in South Africa, energy costs aren't just another line item — they're a moving target. Diesel prices swing with global markets. Grid electricity rates climb year after year. Load-shedding disrupts operations when you can least afford it.

Takealot's solar integration with battery storage doesn't just reduce these costs; it eliminates the volatility entirely. By storing excess solar power during the day, their electric vehicles can charge predominantly from sunshine even when trucks are returning after dark.

The economic rationale is straightforward: when your energy source is predictable, your operational costs become predictable too.

A Model That Actually Works

The logistics industry is full of sustainability initiatives that look good on paper but struggle to deliver real returns. Takealot's approach is different. Their solar-powered fleet charging infrastructure isn't about ticking ESG boxes — it's about building a logistics operation that's financially resilient and operationally reliable.

By integrating energy generation, storage, and consumption into one system, they've created what we call "energy independence for logistics." When your trucks run on sunshine captured from your own roof, you're not just reducing emissions — you're reducing exposure to external energy price shocks.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Let's break down what solar-powered fleet charging actually delivers:

Energy Security: No dependency on grid availability during load-shedding periods. Operations continue regardless of Eskom's challenges.

Cost Predictability: Solar energy costs are locked in for decades, not subject to quarterly tariff increases or fuel price volatility.

Utilisation Optimisation: Battery storage enables charging during off-peak hours using stored solar energy, maximising infrastructure value.

Scalable Framework: The model works for small depot operations and large distribution centers alike.

When energy costs become a fixed, predictable expense rather than a variable one, fleet TCO calculations become far more reliable. That's the difference between hoping your business model works and knowing it will.

It's Not Just About the Environment. It's About Economics.

Here's what makes Takealot's approach particularly smart: they didn't start with environmental goals and hope for cost savings. They started with cost reduction and operational reliability goals, and the environmental benefits followed naturally.

Solar-powered fleet charging addresses three critical business challenges simultaneously: energy cost management, operational continuity during grid outages, and long-term financial predictability. The emissions reduction is a valuable outcome, but it's not the primary driver.

This is what separates successful fleet electrification from symbolic gestures. When the business case is solid, sustainability becomes profitable rather than expensive.

The Aeversa "Driving on Sunshine" Model

Takealot's success reflects what we've learned working with fleet operators across South Africa: the smartest electrification strategies integrate energy production with energy consumption.

Our "Driving on Sunshine" approach helps logistics operators design systems where:

• Solar generation happens during daylight hours when trucks are on delivery routes

• Battery storage captures excess energy for use during evening charging windows

• Smart charging aligns vehicle return schedules with optimal energy availability

• Load management ensures maximum utilisation of both solar and storage assets

The result is a fleet operation that's largely insulated from external energy price volatility while maintaining full operational flexibility.

A Replicable Framework for Fleet Electrification

What makes Takealot's model particularly valuable is that it's not a one-off project — it's a replicable framework. The principles work whether you're operating 10 vehicles or 1,000. Whether you're running last-mile deliveries or long-haul logistics.

The key is recognising that fleet electrification and energy independence aren't separate projects. They're two components of the same strategic shift toward operational resilience and cost predictability.

From Expense Center to Profit Center

Traditional fleet operations treat energy as a necessary expense. Solar-powered electric fleets can turn energy infrastructure into a strategic asset. Excess solar generation can offset facility costs. Battery storage can provide grid services. Charging infrastructure can support multiple vehicle types and operational patterns.

When energy infrastructure becomes an asset rather than just an expense, the financial model for fleet operations fundamentally changes.

The Bottom Line - Solar Powered Savings

Takealot's solar-powered electric fleet isn't just about being environmentally responsible — though it certainly achieves that. It's about building a logistics operation that's financially resilient, operationally reliable, and strategically positioned for long-term success.

The smartest fleets aren't just going electric. They're going independent.

Ready to explore solar-powered fleet charging for your operations?

Aeversa's "Driving on Sunshine" model helps South African fleet operators achieve energy independence through integrated solar, storage, and charging solutions.

From feasibility assessments to full system implementation, we design solutions that deliver both environmental and financial returns.

I want to talk about solar-powered fleet solutions →

Written By:

John Henry Ford Sales Manager AEVERSA

Author Bio: John is the Sales Manager at Aeversa, where he specialises in fleet electrification and sustainable energy solutions. With a strong background in the EVSE and automotive industries, John has led initiatives that integrate electric vehicle charging infrastructure with renewable energy sources, such as solar power and battery storage. His work focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and reducing costs for logistics and distribution fleets. John is passionate about advancing clean transportation technologies and has been instrumental in projects that demonstrate the practical benefits of fleet electrification in South Africa.