Year-long trial proves electric TRU reliability

UK: Following a year-long trial of Sunswap’s Endurance solar and battery-powered transport refrigeration unit by the TIP Group, the trailer and truck hire company has recorded a 100% uptime.

Throughout the last year or so, TIP has recorded no un-planned maintenance, failures or periods where the refrigeration system was out of service.

Sunswap’s Endurance transport refrigeration unit is a fully electric solution that combines advanced battery technology, solar power, and rapid charging.

Among the standout runs recorded during the trial was a journey between Glasgow and Norwich, which covered over 1,000km. 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 is said to have completed the return journey with 63% battery remaining.

TIP reveals that several long-term hire arrangements are in place with cold chain operators for reefer trailers that have been equipped with the TRU. 

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.

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 said to have committed to the technology across their entire refrigerated operation.

Mark Carlin, TIP fleet and 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, revealed that the company was 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,” he said. 

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.