DIESEL & ELECTRIC-POWERED TRUCKS UNVEILED
Pilatus introduces six SANY truck models to the Zambian market, targeting mining, construction, agriculture and transport sectors.
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 — November 3, 2026 — Pilatus Engineering Company Limited has officially introduced SANY's range of diesel-powered and fully electric commercial trucks to the Zambian market, opening a new chapter in the company's business and giving local transport operators and businesses more vehicle options through its partnership with the international manufacturer of heavy equipment and commercial vehicles.
Mr Nzovu said Zambia's ambitions to produce 10 million tonnes of maize and three million tonnes of copper depended on reliable transportation to move agricultural and mineral products to local and international markets.
He said Zambia's geographical position, bordering eight countries, gave the country an opportunity to become a major regional logistics and transport hub.
The Minister pointed to infrastructure projects such as the Lobito Corridor as important in improving regional connections and opening up trade opportunities.
Mr Nzovu said the Government was also encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles as part of efforts to reduce dependence on conventional fuels.
He said public institutions had been directed to consider electric vehicles in their procurement plans, adding that the transition also required investment in charging infrastructure.
Mr Nzovu cited information presented at the launch indicating that some SANY electric trucks had a driving range of up to 800 kilometres and featured rapid-charging technology.
“The market is open. Zambia is a peaceful country,” Mr Nzovu said, encouraging investors and businesses to take advantage of opportunities in the country.
Mr Wang said the new range included both diesel-powered and electric trucks, giving customers the flexibility to choose vehicles suited to their businesses and operating conditions.
He said the partnership brought together SANY's manufacturing expertise and vehicle technology with Pilatus' local market knowledge, customer relationships and support services.
Pilatus Managing Director Angelika Huwiler Andersen said the company had invested in technical training, after-sales services and spare-parts availability to give customers confidence when purchasing the trucks.
She said Pilatus understood that buying a commercial vehicle was only the beginning of a customer's relationship with the supplier, making reliable maintenance and technical support equally important.
Ms Andersen said the company's technical teams had undergone training and were continuing to improve their skills to provide quality servicing.
She added that Pilatus had put arrangements in place to maintain a consistent supply of spare parts so that customers could access the components needed to keep their vehicles operating.
Ms Andersen said the company was strengthening its local presence through a showroom and an online sales platform established with Inwebuntu.
She disclosed that Pilatus planned to establish a workshop in 2027, together with a diesel laboratory and a satellite workshop on the Copperbelt.
The facilities are intended to improve technical support for customers, particularly those operating in the mining and transport sectors.
Ms Andersen also announced plans for a green fuel and charging station serving both passenger vehicles and heavy commercial trucks.
The proposed facility will incorporate battery infrastructure, solar power and green roofing as part of the company's investment in cleaner energy and electric mobility.
Her fellow Managing Director, Tue Nyboe Andersen, said Pilatus wanted to establish itself as a leading distributor of electric commercial trucks in Zambia.
He expressed confidence in the country's transition towards cleaner transportation and reduced emissions, saying the company wanted to play an active role in that journey.
Pilatus General Manager for SANY Trucks, Faisal Nanavat, said the company had signed Memoranda of Understanding with commercial banks operating Vehicle and Asset Finance divisions to help prospective customers access financing.
Mr Nanavat encouraged interested buyers to approach the participating banks and explore the available financing options when considering the purchase of SANY trucks.
He said the arrangements were intended to give customers more flexibility in acquiring the vehicles.
Mr Nanavat also announced that customers would have an opportunity to test-drive the different SANY truck models at the launch venue, beginning at 12:00 hours.
The six models introduced to the Zambian market include the SANY Euro II Tractor Head with a low-roof cab, the SANY Euro III Tractor Head with a high-roof cab, the SANY Heavy Commercial Vehicle Electric Truck, SANY Light Truck EV, SANY Diesel Dump Truck and SANY Electric Dump Truck.
The electric truck range features charging and battery-swapping technology designed to reduce vehicle downtime.
Under the battery-swapping system, a depleted battery is exchanged for a fully charged one at a compatible station, allowing a truck to return to work without waiting for the battery to recharge.
This technology is particularly relevant to mining and haulage businesses, where vehicles operate for long periods and delays can affect productivity.
Pilatus has indicated plans to introduce supporting charging and battery-swapping infrastructure in Zambia as the number of SANY electric trucks operating in the country grows.
Ms Angelika Huwiler Andersen also highlighted SANY's manufacturing capacity and experience in electric commercial vehicles.
She said SANY's manufacturing facility covered approximately two million square metres and had the capacity to produce a finished product every six seconds.
Ms Andersen cited the company's Guinness World Record distance of 817.5 kilometres achieved by a loaded electric truck as an example of its electric vehicle technology.
She said SANY had deployed approximately 45,000 electric heavy trucks across 50 countries and regions.
She added that the company exported 1,200 new-energy heavy truck tractors to 63 markets during the first half of 2026.
Ms Andersen also cited a June 2026 shipment of 883 battery-electric truck tractors, which had projected operating cost savings of US$22 million and an estimated reduction of 80,000 tonnes in emissions.
Pilatus also recognised Delta Auto and Equipment Limited for its contribution to establishing the SANY brand in Zambia through its representation of the manufacturer's construction, mining and earth-moving equipment since 2007.
The introduction of SANY commercial trucks builds on the market presence established by Delta Auto over the past 19 years, extending the brand into the transport sector.
A representative of Skylark said the company was working with BHL on a driver ownership scheme aimed at helping long-serving drivers acquire trucks through instalment payments.
Under the arrangement, drivers would pay for their vehicles over time, while Skylark would manage the relationship and provide financial guidance.
The representative said Skylark was considering purchasing 10 SANY trucks as part of its fleet expansion plans and was exploring a similar driver ownership arrangement with Maldonado.
The representative said rising fuel costs were putting pressure on transport businesses, making electric trucks an important option for companies looking to manage their operating expenses.
“We produce our own electricity in Zambia. Why should we be affected by disputes between countries that we have no control over?” the representative said.
A representative of a logistics and procurement company disclosed that the business had purchased five SANY trucks, which were already central to its operations.
The purchase provided an early indication of how local businesses were taking up the newly introduced truck range for their commercial transportation needs.
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