South Africa stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards transport decarbonization. The technology for electric trucks is actively being deployed in pilot projects across the nation.
Yet, a significant policy gap is threatening to stall this crucial transition, preventing the widespread adoption of electric trucks and undermining the country’s climate goals. This is a regulatory bottleneck, and without urgent policy adjustments, South Africa risks falling behind in the global race for sustainable logistics.
According to Naamsa, the national automotive industry body, the core issue lies in the disconnect between technological readiness and supportive policy. Fleets are interested, the operational benefits are clear, but commercial viability remains elusive due to two key reforms that are desperately needed from the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC): temporary import duty relief for electric trucks and payload and length concessions for electric truck-trailer combinations.
Without these adjustments, the economic case for electric trucks, despite their long-term operational savings, remains commercially harder to justify.
One of the most significant constraints is the payload disadvantage. Electric trucks carry heavier batteries, which inherently reduces their payload capacity compared to their diesel equivalents.
This means fewer goods can be transported per trip, directly impacting profitability for logistics companies. European regulators have already addressed this by allowing additional payload capacity and permitting longer truck-trailer combinations for electric vehicles.
South African industry is urgently requesting similar adjustments to avoid costly fleet redesigns and ensure electric trucks can compete effectively on a per-trip basis.
Adding to the commercial pressure are the existing import duties. Electric trucks face a 12% import tariff if originating from the EU and a staggering 20% tariff from other origins. Given that electric trucks are already significantly more expensive upfront than diesel models, these added duties widen the total cost gap, making the initial investment even more prohibitive.
While industry leaders like Volvo Trucks South Africa suggest electric trucks can reach break-even in 5–6 years depending on fuel prices, electricity tariffs, mileage, and financing, the upfront cost barrier without policy support remains a major deterrent.
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Despite these policy hurdles, real-world adoption is already underway, demonstrating the technology’s potential. Vector Logistics is operating electric trucks in Gauteng and Cape Town, DSV has integrated an electric fleet with solar-powered depots, and DHL and Unilever are piloting South Africa’s first all-electric Superlink.
UCL Company is also utilizing renewable-powered agricultural transport vehicles. These examples prove that the technology works and that there is a clear appetite for electric transport.
The message from the industry is unequivocal: electric truck technology is ready, fleet adoption is beginning, and the commercial case is emerging. However, to truly scale this revolution, South Africa needs decisive policy action. Import duty adjustments, payload regulation updates, and fleet-side incentives are not just bureaucratic details; they are the missing links that will unlock one of the most direct pathways to transport-sector decarbonization. Without them, South Africa risks slowing its progress towards a cleaner, more sustainable logistics future.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around AI and energy.
