Pharmaceutical Giant Embraces Green Future with Electric Fleet Transition

South Africa’s United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) has taken a major step towards sustainability by launching 42 electric delivery vans equipped with solar-powered refrigeration. The vehicles, supplied by start-up Everlectric, mark the beginning of UPD’s transition to an electric fleet.

A Move Towards Green Logistics

As companies strive to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets, local start-ups are accelerating efforts to introduce electric delivery vehicles. UPD, a subsidiary of South Africa’s largest retail pharmacy group Clicks, is at the forefront of this transition.

Trevor McCoy, UPD’s managing executive, revealed that 42 Maxus eDeliver 3 panel vans will initially serve Gauteng and the Western Cape. Plans will add 36 more vehicles in Gauteng later this year. The expansion will continue into 2026, bringing the rollout to Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) and Durban.

With our position as a leading pharmaceutical wholesaler, we must ensure that our deliveries are both efficient and sustainable,” McCoy stated.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

The vans, produced by Chinese manufacturer SAIC and imported by Everlectric, are fitted with locally built refrigeration boxes. The initiative extends to UPD’s independent drivers, who are receiving financing from Investec to facilitate the switch to electric vehicles.

Every month, each car should reduce carbon dioxide emissions by about one ton. Over its lifespan, the fleet is projected to conserve 2.4 million liters of diesel while reducing carbon emissions by 6.3 million kilograms.

UPD’s efforts to gradually replace its 100 independently owned diesel-powered vehicles highlight a growing trend in South Africa’s logistics industry toward more sustainable and clean transportation options.