Ashford, UK: Brakes, part of Sysco, is using two new Frigoblock-refrigerated electric Daf rigids for deliveries to test the performance of the vehicles and temperature control systems.
The electric 19-tonners have Frigoblock EK25 and FK2 fridges. The Electra truck with EK25 unit has been in operation since late 2022, while the electric Daf LF truck with the Frigoblock FK2 unit has worked from Brake’s Reading depot since January this year.
Solomon Commercials designed the 8.5-metre body to minimise drag and improve range while creating a body that maximised payload flexibility and requirements. The body also included a tail-lift warning system, multi-point camera, audio warning, and side infills to improve pedestrian and road user safety.
Ian Lang, sales manager, Solomon Commercials, said: “We’re very proud to have been approached to partner with Brakes, Daf and Frigoblock on this unique project. The team at Brakes had very specific requirements, so our technical team and partners set about designing an innovative solution that is ideally suited to meet their needs in terms of safety, practicality, and efficiency.”
said Jon Jerrard-Dinn, area sales manager, Thermo King and Frigoblock., said: “t is uplifting to enable our customers like Brakes to lead the way in decarbonising, electrifying and minimising the environmental impact of transport and delivery operations.”
”The technology exists today, and we are working hard to help the industry recognise the benefits and ease of electrifying their refrigerated vehicles to move goods in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way. We’re excited that together with Brakes and Sysco we can demonstrate this innovation in real life.”
“Paul Vernon, head of fleet, Sysco GB, said: “Our vehicles in the UK cover almost 60 million miles a year making our fleet’s transformation to zero-emissions a central element in achieving our company’s ambitious decarbonisation targets and helping our customers with theirs.”
“Frigoblock and Thermo King have been our partners for years and we counted on their expertise in finding the right electric transport refrigeration for our new zero-emission vehicles,” Vernon said.
“We have been operating Frigoblock’s electric EK25 refrigeration systems in our fleet for years. Their performance and reliability are exceptional, coupled with low total cost of ownership on account of little maintenance requirements and quick return on investment. We were delighted to find out they can seamlessly work with our new electric HGV,” Vernon said.
“With this electric vehicle, we could go into the city centre like Birmingham, and as soon as the driver closed the door, the Frigoblock unit brought the temperature in the load compartment back to the set temperature, even before the vehicle moved on. This is extraordinary and keeps our products ideally maintained,” Vernon said.
The second electric vehicle, the Daf LF truck has the next generation Frigoblock FK2 unit with integrated telematics using Thermo King BlueBox.
The electric Daf operates from Brake’s Reading site that has a solar-powered vehicle charging station.
