The Clicks Group’s Montague Garden Distribution Centre in Cape Town aims to operate a 100% electric truck fleet by the end of October.
The retailer has invested more than R65 million in solar power, battery storage and charging infrastructure to support the transition to electric trucks. This includes R41 million spent on battery energy storage systems at two distribution centres. The investment forms part of Clicks’ broader plans to reduce its reliance on diesel and cut emissions from its distribution network.
Group CEO Bertina Engelbrecht explained that the move was part of the group’s wider investment in its distribution network as it expands its store and pharmacy network.
“As we expand our store and pharmacy network, we continue to strengthen our distribution capabilities to support that growth. This enables us to continue delivering the convenience and product availability our customers expect from Clicks,” Engelbrecht said.
“We started moving towards renewables several years ago because, as an executive team, we see ourselves as stewards for future generations. We believe we have a responsibility to make choices today that reduce our impact on the environment, and we have carried that thinking through into our investments in solar, battery storage and now electric transport.”
In terms of cutting costs, Engelbrecht noted that the move also has a strong business case, with the electric fleet expected to lower operating costs while supporting the group’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.
The 30 trucks are expected to save about 780,000 litres of diesel and avoid around 2,000 tonnes of tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions each year. Clicks expects to save between R20 million and R25 million a year in fuel costs, with a further R2 million to R3 million reduction in maintenance costs.
The electric trucks will be split between Clicks’ Cape Town and Centurion distribution centres. Montague Gardens is expected to operate a fully electric truck fleet by the end of October.
