Logistics & Transport News South Africa

Solar panelled trucks reducing emissions

More than 50 new trailers and replacement bodies have been delivered to Shoprite by Serco. They all feature a new solar powered system designed to eliminate truck idling. It was previously necessary to keep a truck idling in order to provide sufficient power for the rear mounted tail lift used for offloading at multiple stores.
One of the solar panels that Serco have installed on a Shoprite vehicle.
One of the solar panels that Serco have installed on a Shoprite vehicle.

With the solar panels this is no longer required, eliminating approximately two to four hours per day of idling for each trailer, thereby saving approximately 1,600 litres of fuel per annum. Further benefits include eliminating the electrical cable connecting the truck and trailer to power the tail lift as well as reducing the workload on the truck alternator and starter motor which no longer have to work excessively to cope with the required power draw.

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