More than a year on from an initial UK trial of the ‘Endurance’ solar and battery-powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU), TIP Group, leading provider of trailer and truck hire services, continues to partner with the unit’s manufacturer, Sunswap, in offering the technology to transport operators across the country.
Several long-term hire arrangements with cold chain operators for reefer trailers that have been equipped with the TRU are now in place, facilitating valuable access of the latest in sustainable refrigeration technology to cold chain operators without them having the need for considerable capital outlay.
Since incorporating Sunswap’s technology into its refrigerated fleet, TIP has offered its ‘demo’ trailer on a trial basis to those operators that are considering the adoption of more sustainable refrigeration technology. The programme enables operators to experience the technology within their everyday fleet operation and for a considerable trial period in order to fully appreciate the benefits it offers. As part of the programme, operators are provided reports on the performance of the unit, enabling them to assess the impact on their operation before making any long-term commitment.
Throughout the last year or so, TIP has recorded a 100% uptime, with no unplanned maintenance, failures or periods where the refrigeration system was out of service. In trialling the unit, operators have saved on the use of diesel and cut their direct refrigeration emissions to zero for the asset under consideration.
Among the standout runs recorded during the year was a journey between Glasgow and Norwich, which covered over 1,000 kilometres. The ‘frozen’ operation lasted 35 hours at -18°C setpoint, with a single planned depot stop in between where the unit was charged. The Endurance unit completed the return journey with 63% battery remaining.
A number of operators who have trialled an ‘e-reefer’ equipped with an Endurance TRU have since signed long-term operating leases with TIP, with two of those committing to the technology across their entire refrigerated operation – a decision that reflects the confidence operators develop when they see the unit perform within their own operation.
Mark Carlin, TIP Fleet & Engineering Director, said: “Partnering with Sunswap reinforces our commitment to helping our customers transition to lower and zero-emission transport solutions with confidence. The success of these trials has demonstrated that sustainable refrigeration technology can deliver the reliability, performance and operational capability that cold chain operators need.”
Michael Lowe, Sunswap CEO, said: “We’re now running Endurance across fleets in three continents and with global fleet operators. With Endurance offering up to 81% reduction in operating costs, operators can focus on the benefits of switching away from diesel and saving on fuel and maintenance costs. We are excited to see many operators choosing and leasing the Sunswap technology.”
TIP’s leasing model removes the barrier that can slow the adoption of sustainable refrigeration technology. In leasing from TIP, operators access the technology on a monthly cost basis, with maintenance and support included, without committing the capital required for an outright purchase. The TIP-Sunswap partnership makes it straightforward for operators to access the latest in sustainable refrigeration technology, initially by way of a trial, if required, and ultimately via long-term lease.
Endurance is designed and manufactured in Leatherhead, Surrey. Developed as a fully integrated electric refrigeration system from the ground up, it combines battery, solar, software, and service into a single platform. It generates 1,000 real-time data points, giving operators visibility over temperature compliance, energy use and asset performance that diesel units cannot provide.
