Cambridge, UK: Tesco and Marshall Fleet Solutions are to trial all-solar powered refrigerated trailers.
The first 100% solar powered trailers fitted with the Titan system from Marshall are on the road and servicing Tesco distribution centres.
Titan uses power produced from solar panels and stores the electrical energy in lithium batteries to provide power to the fridges.
“We’ve got 4,200 trailers in our distribution fleet transporting fresh goods such as fruit, vegetables, ready meals and sandwiches,” says Cliff Smith, fleet engineering manager, Tesco.
“Around 3,000 of those are refrigerated and with a goal to bring carbon emissions to net zero by 2035 and the imminent removal of red diesel entitlements, we’ve had to look at the way our food gets to stores and customers.”
“As a business we have looked at various options and through our long-standing relationship with Marshall Fleet Solutions we decided to trial the use of the Titan system on our fleet. So far we are finding that there is no detriment to operational performance, 100% saving on diesel costs and a good ROI.”
Available exclusively from Marshall Fleet Solutions, the Titan system’s is capable of providing power to all makes of on-board fridge, tail lifts and other vehicle mounted electrically powered equipment. It can be used on any vehicle and be retrofitted.
Mark Howell, managing director, Marshalls Fleet Solutions, said: “With a significant trailer fleet, the successful use of solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Tesco distribution operation cannot be underestimated, in terms of its significantly positive environmental impact. Both Tesco and MFS share similar sustainability and carbon reduction plans.”
