Last mile deliveries can be done a lot cheaper on solar power that by burning diesel, a fact which Johannesburg-based logistics specialists Aeversa plans to demonstrate with the first electric truck from China — the JAC N55 EV.
Aeversa CEO Rick Franz said electric vehicles (EV) are always cheaper to operate than internal combustion engines, adding the savings are much more pronounced when the vehicles are powered via a solar array.
“By our calculations and according to our current data, the truck will use around 400 Watt-hours per kilometre in a combined cycle. That’s a mix of loaded and unloaded kilomtres.
“If you are using Eskom power directly you may pay up to R0,75 to R1 per km in electricity.
“If you are buying power from a solar Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you will use as little as R0,45 per km in electricity.
“Finally if you have paid off your solar system then your energy cost truly does move right down to almost zero,” Franz said.
He said the EV ecosystem requires chargers, energy and vehicles, where one without the others just doesn’t work. “That’s where we come in. We know the only way to move towards electric is to engineer and empower each part of the ecosystem. And if we can turn your warehouses or estates into money-making, fast-charging stations too, that’s an even bigger win,” he said.
He said the company has tested and iterated a pilot program and plans to roll out their infrastructure to have a significant market footprint by 2025.
“The N55 EV will assist us with the planning, prototyping and rolling out of precision infrastructure for the conversion to DC Fast Charging commercial fleets to accelerate imminent large scale service delivery,” he said.
Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa said in a statement the the first electric N-series truck marks the start of JAC Motors South Africa’s local electric vehicle programme. He said the N55 EV, which was launched in China in 2019, is a thoroughly tested electric vehicle with the latest EV technology on board.
“We are extremely excited about this ground-breaking event for the JAC Motors brand in South Africa,” said Göbel.
“The new N55 EV is an emission-free truck suitable for a range of city operations which provides a reliable, economical and safe solution to transport operators.”
Proven LFP battery
The N55 EV is powered by a liquid-cooled 96,77kWh capacity lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. When standard European CCS2-Combo connections are used, the battery recharges to 80% capacity in only one-and-a-half hours and 100% in two hours. In addition, the N55 EV was subject to extensive fire- and waterproof testing to ensure the vehicle remains safe under extreme conditions.
The N55 EV reaches 200 km per charge and can climb inclines of up to 16,7 degrees with a load of 2,5-tonnes.
It accelerates from 0 to 50 km/h in eight seconds and achieves a top speed of 90 km/h. Compared to conventional diesel engine trucks, the N55 EV costs 30% less to maintenance.
The N55 EV features a pedestrian warning system and boasts JAC Motors’ latest vehicle connectivity system with an 8-inch touchscreen display including Bluetooth, navigation and online music, rounding off the N55’s comfortable appointments.
An Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) assists the driver in emergency braking situations, offering additional safety to occupants and keeping the load intact.
The automatic transmission provides an effortless driving experience, and because of its electric powertrain features regenerative braking and an economical driving mode.
JAC Motors’ state-of-the-art fault diagnostic and vehicle monitoring and control systems are standard fitment, ensuring that the N55’s health always surpasses the expectation levels of transport operators.
“We are evaluating electric vehicles suitable for the African market and trialling technologies that could help maximise the driving range of future electrified vehicles.
“As a result, we soon could see more of our electric vehicles on the local roads paving the way for a greener motoring landscape in future,” said Göbel.
