Wolverhampton, UK: Hire and leasing company Freezerent is one of the first to offer a refrigerated version of the electric Mercedes-Benz van.
The temperature-controlled E-Sprinter is aimed at operators undertaking multi-drop delivery work in cities, more of which are now following London by introducing their own emissions zones.
The joint development involved Freezerent, Mercedes-Benz dealer Midlands Truck & Van, body converter Solomon Commercials and fridge maker GAH.
It is powered by a 114hp electric motor driving the front wheels and has a 96 mile range just under 100 miles. Load capacity 11 cubic meters with a half tonne payload.
Freezerent’s van has has a single chilled compartment. The electric GAH fridge is battery powered and does not impinge on the vehicles power source.
Lee Dorward, managing director, Freezerent, said: “There are plenty of environmentally focused operators out there for whom load volume, rather than carrying capacity, is the key requirement in a temperature-controlled delivery vehicle.
“Clearly, this emissions-free technology is still in its infancy, and I’ve no doubt that over time we’ll see payloads and ranges increase as batteries become lighter and more efficient. Nevertheless, customers are asking about what’s available right now, so we felt it was only appropriate that we should draw on the experience of leading suppliers and give them an opportunity to try one of the very first refrigerated eSprinters.”
Freezerent uses Mercedes PRO connect system, which connect can remotely monitor battery status and provide fleet managers with real-time updates, enabling them encourage drivers to adopt a more range-conscious style at the wheel, while also helping them to plan charge stops and minimise downtime.
“PRO connect is brilliant, a great addition to the range,” Dorward said.
“It allows us proactively to manage maintenance issues and was also instrumental in helping the police to track down three vehicles at different locations in London within a couple of hours of them being reported as stolen.”
“This has been a very exciting project, one that establishes a foothold for Freezerent in a segment that’s bound to grow dramatically over the next few years, while also underscoring our position as a leading provider of advanced, temperature-controlled transport solutions.”
