Automotive innovation is accelerating quickly across the UK so there is no time to get cold feet and fall behind – and refrigeration unit makers are joining the race in increasing numbers, providing sophisticated solutions for temperature-controlled transport operators to enhance efficiency while cutting environmental impacts.
Indeed, the most forward thinking hauliers in the sector are increasingly adopting these latest technologies to stay ahead of the competition, as they look to decarbonise their businesses and electrify their fleets.
Oswestry-based trailer sales and rental specialist Cadwallader is one such example, having added a box body Schmitz Cargobull S.KOe COOL semi-trailer to its fleet – its first move into fully-electric refrigerated trailer rental.
This package of a semi-trailer with S.CU ep85 refrigeration unit, battery system, power electronics, electric generator axle and TrailerConnect telematics plus additional digital services, work together to lower emissions and reduce fuel consumption.
The S.KOe COOL’s electrified trailer axle recuperates energy during braking, among other processes, extending the cooling unit’s operating time or reducing the recharging time of the battery via the power grid.
Due to three pre-defined modes – Eco, Standard and Safe – the semi-trailer can be optimised according to the customer’s usage conditions and objectives.
Joe Cadwallader, Business Development Manager, said: “If you went back five years fully-electric refrigerated trailers were vanishingly rare. Now we have excellent options such as the S.KOe COOL. However, if you want to hire an electric reefer, provision remains limited.”
Cadwallader said there is strong demand to be environmentally savvy, so much so that if a haulier is tendering without a sustainability policy in place and products to support it, they are at an instant disadvantage.
He added: “We wanted to address this and add new capabilities to our business, which comprises one of the largest refrigerated trailer rental fleets in the UK.
“Incorporating the electric generator axle with a battery, so that you don’t have to plug anything in, makes the S.KOe COOL a strong proposition.”
Meanwhile, Preston-based James Hall & Co has taken delivery of three custom Carrier Transicold Vector High Efficiency (HE) 19 Multi-Temperature (MT) units mounted on double-deck trailers, each equipped with a 23kW battery pack to enable diesel-free operation.
These units help transport ambient, chilled and frozen products simultaneously as part of its wholesale association with food retail chain Spar.
The Vector HE 19 MT units are mounted on new Gray & Adams urban double-deck trailers, replacing older diesel systems in its 40-strong trailer fleet. Each one utilises Carrier Transicold’s electric E-Drive technology, which is central to all Vector refrigeration systems.
The battery packs, which can be quickly recharged at the company’s depot using a standard five-pin, three-phase standby plug connected to the main grid, have been installed on special sliding mounting brackets designed by Gray & Adams, ensuring easy access for maintenance.
It allows the Vector HE 19 MT units to maintain three separate compartments due to the addition of two evaporators to support triple-temperature operation.
In addition, the unit’s optimised hermetic scroll compressor and economiser boost refrigeration capacity during pull-down by 40%, while also helping to provide refrigerant gas containment.
Additionally, when operating in electric mode, whether at base or on the road, noise levels are reduced to below the 60 db(A) PIEK limit, helping to minimise potential noise disturbances.
James Hall & Co has also recently taken delivery of four 18-tonne Volvo FE trucks, equipped with engineless Carrier Transicold Iceland MT units.
These units also utilise the company’s Eco-Drive system to derive refrigeration power from the truck’s own engine, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions across its rigid fleet.
Expected to cover 100,000 kilometres per year, its new trailers serve a network of independent and company-owned Spar stores six days a week from its Preston base.
Ian Farnworth, Fleet Manager at James Hall & Co said: “We were looking to improve our carbon credentials while finding a way to reduce operating costs.
“The autonomy levels of these new units have exceeded our expectations, helping us to take a step forward in our long-term sustainability strategy.”
TIP Group, in collaboration with SolarEdge e-Mobility and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH, is currently trialling an electric refrigerated trailer powered by renewable energy.
The Powered Trailer integrates battery storage, solar panels, and an energy recuperation axle to replace traditional diesel-powered refrigeration units.
Roof-mounted solar panels can supply between 20% and 120% of the energy needed for refrigeration, depending on external conditions such as sunlight, temperature, and usage patterns.
Meanwhile, the energy recuperation axle captures kinetic energy – particularly during braking – and converts it into electricity.
This is stored in a high-capacity battery system to power the trailer even when solar input is low, and SolarEdge e-Mobility’s smart energy integration ensures the system uses free, renewable energy as efficiently as possible.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries provides the all-electric refrigeration unit, optimised for energy efficiency using advanced inverter technology.
A pilot is currently underway with the Germany-based Zippel Group, testing the trailer in real-world conditions to ensure reliability, efficiency, and customer usability.
According to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, there are potential operational cost savings of up to 50% compared to diesel refrigeration units, depending on local fuel and electricity prices.
Rogier Laan, Vice President Sales and Marketing at TIP Group said: “Both SolarEdge e-Mobility and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are known for their forward-thinking and commitment to decarbonisation.
“We aim to demonstrate that this configuration can function autonomously, ideally without relying on grid electricity.
“This trial will help refine the solution for wider market adoption.”
Also, Thermo King supplies the Frigoblock FK2 refrigeration unit to wholesaler Bidfood, featuring the RE22-2 remote evaporator.
Bidfood, which supplies more than 10,000 food, drink and catering supply products to about 40,000 customers, was the first UK company to operate the FK2 units in its fleet.
The FK2, designed for urban distribution, leverages Frigoblock’s 100% electric architecture, which has been rigorously tested to ensure reduced maintenance needs and enhanced reliability compared to diesel-powered alternatives.
Faye Reeve, Head of Procurement at Bidcorp UK, said: “With over 800 vehicles fitted with Frigoblock refrigeration across our 26-depot estate, it forms the backbone of our 18-tonne refrigerated vehicle fleet.”
These examples clearly illustrate how low-emission and alternative power solutions enable customers to maintain optimal refrigeration performance without disrupting their operations.
