The arrival of the first electric N-series truck on local shores marks the start of JAC Motors South Africa's local electric vehicle programme.
The newcomer to the local product range, the N55 EV, is a thoroughly tested electric vehicle from the JAC Motors stable with the latest EV technology on board, according to the manufacturer.
JAC Motors is a prolific producer of electric vehicles and has been manufacturing battery-electric trucks in China since 2014, with years of research and development preceding the introduction of its first electric truck. Today, the company's range of electric truck platforms operates across the globe, ranging from 2.5 to 12 tonnes.
The new N55 EV was first launched in China in 2019, and the local introduction is helping the automaker to develop new markets and explore solutions for maximising the energy efficiency and the driving ranges of its electric vehicles.
"We are extremely excited about this ground-breaking event for the JAC Motors brand in South Africa," says Karl-Heinz Göbel, CEO of JAC Motors South Africa. "The new N55 EV is an emission-free truck suitable for a range of city operations, which provides a reliable, economical and safe solution for transport operators."
The first N55 EV in the country will be used by logistics specialists AEVERSA, whose future vision of the logistics industry includes transitioning traditional transport fleets into EV fleets that consume renewable energy.
The N55 EV is powered by a liquid-cooled 96.77 kWh capacity LFP battery. When standard European CCS2-Combo connections are used, the battery recharges to 80 per cent capacity in only one-and-a-half hours and 100 per cent 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 scale 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 achieves a 50 per cent lower fuel/energy cost and a 30 per cent lower maintenance cost.
The N55 EV features a pedestrian warning system to keep the occupants, cargo and people using urban roads safe. In addition, it 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.
"The N55 EV is our first environmentally friendly electric vehicle tested in real-world conditions on South African roads. We are evaluating electric vehicles suitable for the African market and we’re trialling technologies that could help maximise the driving range of future electrified vehicles. As a result, we could soon see more of our electric vehicles on the local roads paving the way for a greener motoring landscape in future," says Göbel.
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