The first e-reefer trial is a success!
Amsterdam, 19th July 2022: The first e-reefer trial is a success!
To significantly reduce CO2 emissions, TIP and its project partners Unilever, DLG and maxwell+spark have launched a pilot in the Netherlands, which sees diesel refrigeration systems in four semi-trailers replaced by zero-emission battery-electric prototypes. The initial trial was launched in 2021 and is now extended to more reefer units.
This breakthrough innovation in temperature-controlled transport aims to keep freight chilled at temperatures down to -25°C by using 100% green energy. Each unit can save 20-25 tons of CO2 per reefer trailer annually!
Over several months of trials, the two units successfully ran in full electric mode! The current project data shows that the electric system saved more than 99% of fossil fuels over the last few months. With this innovation, we pave the way in achieving net zero carbon emissions in refrigerated transport.
Based on these results, maxwell+spark was able to depict the vast cost and CO2 savings difference between a traditional refrigeration system and their special system. CO2 emission savings are directly proportional to energy savings.
Along with our partners, we gathered information from the first test of this pilot in order to develop a roadmap for improving the performance of future units. After making some design improvements, we launched two new optimized units that are now also on Dutch roads, extending the test into the warmer summer months.
Once the full pilot with now 4 units has completed, the technology could be rolled out across wider parts of Unilever’s fleet of reefer trailers, but also across the wider sector to improve the planet and support businesses in becoming more competitive.
This joint innovation is a step forward towards more sustainable logistics. These are key pillars for strategic growth and TIP strongly believes that the cooperation with maxwell+spark will electrify the reefer industry with a scalable innovation.
Commenting on the pilot project’s positive results to date, Rogier Laan, Vice President Sales and Marketing at TIP, said, “I am very proud of the results so far; besides time and costs my team added a lot of technical expertise. TIP has seen its customers increasingly look to adopt cleaner and more efficient trailer solutions, and we want to be the best industry partner. We support innovative solutions that drive the industry to be more sustainable. So, we’re keeping a close eye on technical developments within our industry and regularly partner up with other partners, like maxwell+spark, to bring sustainable solutions to the market.”
For more information, please contact Rogier Laan, VP Sales and Marketing at TIP: Rogier.Laan@tip-group.com
