Tesco has taken delivery of five purpose-built, battery- and solar-powered refrigeration units from Sunswap, which will replace diesel-powered transport refrigeration on major routes, thereby eliminating carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.
Currently, keeping food chilled and frozen during delivery requires diesel engines on the back of trucks, which generate emissions even when the vehicle is stationary. Sunswap’s Endurance zero-emission transport refrigeration unit utilises roof-mounted panels and batteries to maintain temperatures without the need for diesel. It is specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern cold chain operations. The deployment with Tesco follows extensive trials, during which Endurance performed successfully across multiple temperature zones and delivery distances. Tesco’s triple temperature trailers will transport fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods in separate compartments during single delivery runs.
‘At Tesco, we have an ambitious goal for carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035 and net zero across our value chain by 2050,’ said Fleet Engineering Manager, Cliff Smith. ‘Our trial with Sunswap demonstrated solar and battery power can successfully be used across our road transport cold chain, reducing emissions while maintaining optimal temperatures across frozen, chilled, and ambient deliveries.’
‘Tesco choosing Sunswap Endurance for its fleet is a landmark moment for sustainable food transport,’ said Michael Lowe, CEO of Sunswap. ‘When a retailer of Tesco’s scale deploys electric refrigeration across operations, it validates the technology for the entire industry and accelerates adoption.’
https://fleetvisionintl.com/2024/05/tootbus-set-to-unveil-end-to-end-renewable-power-for-its-electric-fleet-through-new-vev-solar-panel-project-in-wandsworth/
