Page 46 - Logistics News - September October 2023

GREEN NE W S

SPAR Group

introduces

SPAR2U ‘green

fleet’ for

sustainable
online deliveries

THE SPAR Group has begun the roll-out of its electric vehicle successfully conducted proof-of-concept trials, validating
fleet for deliveries ordered via online shopping platform SPAR2U. the viability and efficiency of our electric vehicle solution.
The extensive roll-out, which follows a successful pilot phase To power our vehicles, we diligently source electricity from
implemented in March this year, reinforces The SPAR Group’s renewable sources, including solar, guaranteeing a reliable and
commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy supply while reducing environmental harm.”
sustainability in the retail sector.
The electric two-wheelers possess an impressive range,
In partnership with Inhance Supply Chain Solutions and allowing them to complete 15 trips on a single charge. Each
SkyNet, The Spar Group is replacing 65 of its conventional fuel- bike has an average range of 80km and to ensure continuous
powered bikes with cutting-edge, energy-efficient vehicles. This operations, spare batteries are provided, enabling a swift
transition is projected to save over 212.4 tons of tailpipe carbon battery swap and an additional 160km of travel per day before
emissions annually, making a significant contribution to the the need for recharging arises. Although the daily distance
company’s sustainability goals, which include achieving net-zero covered may vary and presently remains relatively low due
emissions across all operations by 2050. to ongoing growth, there are plans to steadily increase it over
time.
The initial deployment of vehicles has already commenced
in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Eastern Cape and the One of the most notable benefits of these electric vehicles
Lowveld. It features two-seater, 300kg load capacity four-wheeler is their positive impact on the environment. By adopting a
city vans, 53 electric motorcycles with an 80kg load capacity and dual charging approach, with 50 percent solar and 50 percent
12 three-wheel motorcycles with a 200kg load capacity. Eskom charging, an estimated annual offset of approximately
3.27 tons of carbon emissions per bike is achieved. This
“At SPAR, we are dedicated to minimising our environmental reduction in carbon emissions plays a pivotal role in The
impact while positively contributing to the well-being of our SPAR Group creating less carbon-intensive warehouses and
social and natural ecosystems, and we are excited to be contributing to Scope 2 carbon emission reduction.
extending our commitment to sustainability to our delivery
vehicles,” says Blake Raubenheimer, Executive: Omnichannel SPAR2U’s electric vehicles will also contribute to a quieter
at The SPAR Group. “Our goal is to achieve a 50 percent and cleaner urban environment. As they lack traditional
SPAR2U green fleet by 2025, not only enhancing our nationwide engines, noise pollution is eliminated, providing a pleasanter
availability, but also delivering a greater positive environmental experience for both commuters and residents. Furthermore,
impact.” the transition to electric vehicles results in a decrease in oil
leaks on consumer driveways, thereby reducing environmental
“Since the launch of SPAR2U earlier this year, we have hazards and unhappy customers. •

44 SEP T E MB E R/O CT O B E R 2023 www .l o g ist i csn e w s .c o .z a