When one thinks of pharmaceutical products, one automatically accepts that the handling of anything to do with them would entail having in place squeaky-clean processes at every link from manufacturing through to final dispensing in chemists and hospitals. And they do. Now, however, the Clicks Group and United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) have taken it a step further to ensure clean-bean delivery of products writes Patrick O’Leary.

Let’s face it – the planet is sick. It needs medicine and it’s no use relying on guys like USA President Donald Trump to dispense the correct medicine to make it healthy again. After all, he has repeatedly referred to climate change as a “hoax” and indeed, kicked off his second term of office with the mantra “drill baby drill” before withdrawing the US from the Paris Agreement of 2015 – which supports global efforts to fight climate change etc etc. I could go on but….I won’t.

What I will do is ignore Trumps’ inane ramblings while standing up to give a sharp salute to the Clicks Group and United Pharmaceutical Distributors (UPD) who are dispensing the correct medicine to our sick planet in their operations by linking hands with Everlectric and Investec Sustainable Solutions to introduce South Africa’s first fleet of zero-emission, pharma-compliant electric vehicles (EVs) with solar power refrigeration bodies.

UPD is the country’s only full-line pharmaceutical wholesaler and supplies retail pharmacies, private hospitals, dispensing doctors and retail health stores. The business provides the distribution capability for the Clicks Group’s integrated channel to the healthcare market.

Rolling out in Gauteng and the Western Cape, the fleet of 42 Maxus eDeliver 3 panel vans, manufactured by SAIC Maxus and supplied by Everlectric, features an industry-first refrigerated cargo box powered entirely by solar energy.

Locally fitted and made from lightweight composite structural PVC – the same material used in super yachts – the innovative refrigeration boxes are 50% (200 kilograms) lighter than standard models, making them a truly green solution. The refrigerated box, coupled with the solar-powered refrigeration system, make the vehicles ideal for urban pharma logistics.

Each EV has a 220–250 km range, a one-ton capacity, and 6.5m³ of refrigerated space. The vehicles are expected to cut approximately one ton of CO₂ per month each, with the entire fleet projected to save 2.4 million litres of diesel and reduce CO₂ emissions by 6.3 million kilograms over its lifespan. They also operate at a quarter of the fuel cost of diesel alternatives and have lower maintenance expenses.

To support the fleet, UPD has further expanded its renewable energy infrastructure, adding 1 170 additional solar panels and several high-speed chargers, ensuring each EV starts the day fully charged and ready for delivery.

Commenting on this move, Clicks Group CEO Bertina Engelbrecht reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainable business practices.

“Switching to electric vehicles isn’t just about reducing our carbon footprint. It’s about creating a smarter, greener way to deliver healthcare. This initiative reflects the group’s commitment to reducing our environmental impact, empowering small businesses and building a healthier, more sustainable future.”

Boom! There are so many positives in that statement and apart from providing for a more sustainable future, the particular circumstances of South Africa have also been taken into account. According to Trevor McCoy, managing executive of UPD, “27% of the EVs will be owned by black female entrepreneurs, driving both transformation and sustainability in the logistics sector.”

UPD’s owner-driver programme was launched in 2003 and has been highly successful in supporting the sustainable growth of independent drivers.

Everlectric CEO Ndia Magadagela highlighted the significance of the new fleet: “We’re very excited to be powering UPD’s green logistics journey. We’ve built a pharma compliant logistics solution that not only decarbonises UPD’s fleet but is operationally excellent, economical and provides more payload – perfectly suited for South African conditions.”

Everlectric is a South African start-up which owns and leases commercial electric vehicles. As well as its fleet of purpose built EVs, it provides charging infrastructure, renewable energy solutions and charge support to ensure seamless operations.

While attending the launch, FleetWatch was surpised to see Investec in among the mix. Not sure about you but for many of us, Investec has always conjured up an image of dealing with the upper echelons of society in financing their private jets, yachts and other such ‘out of the reach of us normal plebs’ items rather than small bakkies delivering head-ache pills to the masses. But here they were and it was good to see them there.

Melanie Humphries, head of Investec Sustainable Solutions, was the lady on the podium to reaffirm the bank’s commitment to empowering sustainability.

“We’re proud to partner with UPD in structuring a specialised financing solution for their owner-driver scheme – one that lays the groundwork for impactful change and propels South Africa forward through environmental consciousness, inclusive growth and resilience. This partnership represents true entrepreneurship, empowerment, and upliftment while exemplifying our commitment to sustainability, renewable energy, and the growth of small businesses.”

Normally when FleetWatch attends a ‘launch’ function, it is to hear the announcement of some ‘first’ – either a product or service development – for the industry. However, this one had a number of firsts and to this end, left a lasting impression that there are people out there who are taking actions to inspire hope for the future.

Perhaps the words of Investec’s Melanie Humphries sums it up: “With the right people in the room with a shared intent, we believe you can move mountains which for us, is a representation of this transaction and hopefully many more to come.”

On climate change, we need the right people in the room with the right intent. That is what will inspire hope for the future – and that is what this transaction does. FleetWatch extends its congratulations to all parties involved.

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