Tesco adopts Sunswap zero-emission TRU
18th June 2025
UK: Tesco is now operating five Sunswap zero-emission battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration units from its Peterborough depot.
The purchase is the culmination of successful trials during midsummer temperatures last year of Sunswap’s Endurance units at three temperature setpoints and a range of distances.
The Endurance replaces a diesel equivalent and is said to remove 50 tonnes of scope 3 carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. On the financial side, it is estimated Tesco’s fleet could save 70% on operational expenditure, a ratio of £280 per tonne of CO2 reduced.
Sunswap’s purpose-built approach integrates trailer-top solar-panels and in-built modular batteries to power a high-performing system designed specifically for the demanding requirements of modern cold chain operations.
Sunswap began manufacturing its purpose-built battery and solar-powered refrigeration unit at its in-house production facility in Leatherhead in November 2024.
“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 Tesco’s 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’s triple temperature trailers will transport fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods in separate compartments during single delivery runs.
