South Africa’s commercial vehicle industry is beginning to see more movement in the electric truck space, with local body builder Serco recently completing a small batch of truck bodies for SANY Trucks electric rigid trucks launched in the country.
The Johannesburg-based manufacturer built three rigid dry-freight bodies for SANY’s battery-electric truck range, including single-skin van bodies and a tautliner. The project forms part of ongoing efforts by OEMs and body builders to test and expand electric commercial vehicle applications in South Africa’s freight and logistics sector.
According to Avinash Singh, Serco was selected after an evaluation process linked to the launch of the OEM’s electric rigid truck line-up in the local market.
“We approached Serco because we regard them as one of South Africa’s leading vehicle body builders,” said Singh.
Singh added that this was the first collaboration between the two companies since SANY introduced its rigid electric truck range locally.
“The quality of the builds has met our expectations. We are certainly considering additional orders as our footprint grows,” he said.
The trucks are aimed at urban logistics, local deliveries, and other operations where shorter transport routes make electric vehicles more practical.
One of the major challenges facing electric trucks remains balancing payload capacity with battery weight and operating range. Serco said the bodies were designed using lightweight construction methods to help maximise efficiency and available payload.
The completed units were fitted with features such as LED interior lighting, Delta locking handles, and fast-opening curtain systems aimed at improving daily operations for transporters.
While electric truck adoption in South Africa is still at an early stage, manufacturers continue positioning themselves ahead of possible future demand as companies face increasing pressure around emissions, fuel costs, and sustainability targets.
Infrastructure remains one of the biggest hurdles for widespread EV truck adoption locally, especially for long-distance operations. However, interest appears to be growing in sectors focused on regional distribution and urban transport where charging and range limitations are easier to manage.
Clinton Holcroft said the company has seen increased interest in electric truck solutions from different parts of the transport sector.
“We are seeing growing interest in electric trucks across multiple sectors,” said Holcroft.
He added that Serco has focused on lightweight and efficient body construction aimed at helping operators maximise payload and operating range without compromising durability.
“We have developed lightweight, efficient body construction solutions that help fleet operators maximise range and payload without compromising durability,” he said.
Serco says it has also expanded its focus on EV-compatible body designs and after-sales support as more OEMs begin introducing electric truck models into the South African market.
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