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Load shedding’s reared its head again, and let’s be honest—it frustratingly impacts every business in South Africa. For fleet managers, it’s more than just a nuisance; it’s a headache that can mess with your entire operation. If you’re thinking about switching to electric vehicles (EVs), this might feel like a big red flag as visions of your electric truck stranded at the DC, may evoke some serious anxiety.
But here’s the thing: with the right setup, you can handle this challenge and even come out ahead. At Aeversa, we’re here to help you do just that—whether you’re still on the fence about EVs or you’ve already got some electric trucks in your fleet and need to make them load-shedding-proof.
Why Load Shedding is a Big Deal for Fleet Managers
We all know that sinking feeling when the power cuts out right when you’re in the middle of something important. Now imagine that happening to your fleet’s charging schedule. Without steady power, your electric trucks can’t charge, and that means delays, frustrated clients, and possibly even lost revenue. If you’re considering going electric, this might make you second-guess the whole idea. And if you’ve already got EVs, you’re probably wondering how to keep things running smoothly when the grid’s not cooperating. The good news? There’s a way to tackle this head-on, and it’s simpler than you might think.
Aeversa’s Solution: Solar, Storage, and Smart Software
We’ve put together a solution that will keep your fleet free from the charging disruptions caused by an unstable grid. It’s built on three key pieces: solar power, big batteries, and some seriously smart software.
Here’s how it works:
Solar Power:
South Africa’s got sunshine to spare, so why not use it? Solar panels soak up that free energy to keep your charging stations running, so you’re not left high and dry when the grid goes down.
Battery Storage:
These batteries compliment your backup plan. They store extra solar power for when you need it most—like during load shedding or when peak demand tariffs are in place.
Smart Software:
This is where the magic happens. Our proprietary software, "AE-Grid-Guide", keeps an eye on load shedding schedules and energy prices, then plans your charging around them. It makes sure your trucks charge when the power’s on and when electricity is cheapest. Basically, it’s like having a personal assistant for your fleet’s energy needs.
If you’re still weighing up the pros and cons of going electric, this setup gives you the peace of mind to move forward. And if you’ve already got electric trucks, our system can slot right into what you’re doing, making your fleet even more resilient and cost-effective.
A Little Extra for Current Electric Fleet Operators
If you’re already running electric trucks, you’re ahead of the game—but load shedding can still throw a spanner in the works. That’s where we come in to help you gain energy independence, free from the volatility of the grid. Our solutions are designed to work with your existing setup, adding an extra layer of protection and intelligence. With our software, you can fine-tune your charging schedule to avoid power cuts and save on energy costs, so your fleet keeps humming, no matter what.
Proof It Works: A Retail Logistics Case Study
Takealot, a leader in online retail, partnered with Aeversa to launch their "Driving on Sunshine" project—and the results are nothing short of impressive. With a fleet of 11 electric trucks, each covering between 300 and 420 km per day, they’ve already achieved an average 13% monthly savings on total cost of ownership. But that’s just the beginning.
To power these trucks sustainably and secure energy independence, Takealot installed solar panels with a capacity of 220 kW. They’ve also added a 258 kWh Wincle battery energy storage system to the mix. This 3.1-ton powerhouse—built from six 43 kWh modules with liquid cooling—stores solar energy and can charge up to three electric trucks at once. It’s a smart, forward-thinking solution that keeps their fleet humming, no matter the weather or grid challenges, showcasing how Aeversa’s technology delivers reliable, green logistics.
Currently, Takealot’s fleet is unaffected by load shedding, thanks to this solar, battery, and smart software combination. This setup not only ensures energy independence but also drives long-term cost savings—two goals Takealot is laser-focused on. The ultimate success story is that they’re team is experiencing peace of mind, and confidently serving their customers with an eco-friendly fleet that’s saving the planet and saving money. That’s the kind of win that should drive all fleet electrification strategies. Watch the video below to see the "Driving on Sunshine" model in action.
The Money Side: It’s an Investment, Not a Burden
We get it—solar panels, batteries, and software sound like they might take a big bite out of your capex. But think of it as investing in your fleet’s future. With Aeversa’s flexible financing options, you don’t have to shell out everything at once. And the payoff? Big savings on energy, no more scrambling during blackouts, and a fleet that’s ready for whatever comes next. Whether you’re just starting to explore EVs or you’re looking to protect your current electric fleet, this is a move that makes sense.
Wrapping It Up: You Can Turn This Into An Opportunity
Load shedding doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker for going electric—or for keeping your current EV fleet on track. With Aeversa’s solutions, you can make sure your trucks stay charged, your costs stay low, and your operations stay smooth, no matter what the grid throws at you.
Ready to chat about how this could work for your fleet? Reach out to Aeversa for a no-pressure consultation. We’ll walk you through the options and help you figure out the best way to not only tackle load shedding, but save you money every month with more efficient operations, so you can focus on what you do best—running a great fleet.
Next Steps
Ready to chat about how this could work for your fleet? Reach out to Aeversa for a no-pressure consultation. We’ll walk you through the options and help you figure out the best way to not only tackle load shedding, but save you money every month with more efficient operations, so you can focus on what you do best—running a great fleet.
You can transition to electric without disruptions or hidden costs. Transition with Aeversa so you can focus on running a profitable and efficient fleet.
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