Two major South African grocery chains are using innovative trailer technology that generates electricity from the motion of truck wheels to power refrigeration units, reducing fuel use and emissions.

Shoprite has confirmed it is testing electrically powered trailers that produce energy through e-axles — systems that convert wheel movement into electricity — as part of its logistics emissions reduction efforts. While details were limited, the technology works on a similar principle to a bicycle dynamo, generating power as wheels rotate.

In this setup, an electric motor is built directly into the axle. As the trailer moves, particularly when slowing down or travelling downhill, kinetic energy that would normally be lost as heat through braking is instead converted into electricity. This removes the need for a separate diesel-powered generator on the trailer and may also lower maintenance costs over time.

Woolworths has been using the technology at scale since early 2024. By November 2025, the retailer had expanded its AxlePower fleet to 16 trailers, with further additions planned for mid-2026. The company estimates the system has already cut carbon emissions by more than 100 tonnes.

The AxlePower solution combines a BPW ePower axle, battery storage, and an inverter that manages electricity supply for refrigeration and other onboard systems. According to BPW, each equipped trailer can save up to 4,000 litres of fuel and reduce emissions by around 10 tonnes annually.

Woolworths has also accelerated broader fleet electrification, operating more than 40 electric delivery vans. Other companies adopting electric delivery vehicles locally include Takealot, Uber, Spar, DHL Express, and FedEx.

Shoprite, however, has taken a more cautious stance. After earlier trials found electric delivery vehicles unsuitable for its Checkers Sixty60 service, the group is prioritising scalable alternatives. These include fitting solar panels to nearly 1,400 trailers to power refrigeration and lifts, as well as piloting electric trucks recharged via solar-powered stores and distribution centres.

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