is South Africa’s largest retailer by market capitalization, sales, profit, and number of employees and customers. Shoprite operates in 11 African countries, and has more than 2,900 stores across Africa. The Shoprite Group is expanding its key environmental programs as part of its sustainability strategy.
The Shoprite Group is also growing its solar-assisted fleet of trailers for their trucks. The Group now has 903 trucks and 1,360 trailers. Of these, 1,041 trailers now have solar panels installed on the roof to support refrigeration loads. The solar panels are also used to power tail lifts for the rest of the non-refrigerated fleet. The solar panels on their refrigerated trailers allow operators to switch off the diesel engine when the trucks are stationary.
Truck driver Robin Jooste receives the keys to the Shoprite Group’s first electric truck from CEO Pieter Engelbrecht. The vehicle will be used for local deliveries and will be recharged using renewable energy generated by the Group’s existing solar installations. In another first in South Africa, the truck’s special “glow in the dark” signage will make it more visible when traveling at night. When exposed to bright light, the signage can absorb and store particles. This stored energy is again emitted when it’s dark, resulting in a glow.
The first electric truck worldwide to get stripped of its battery pack.