The successful trial underscores the immense potential for battery and solarpowered refrigeration to decarbonise the temperature-controlled logistics industry…

Sunswap, an innovator in fully electric transport refrigeration, has successfully completed a trial of its battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration technology with JS Davidson, an established temperature-controlled logistics specialist.

JS Davidson has set out an ambitious target to reach net zero by the end of 2025 at the Peterborough HQ, showcasing its commitment to driving innovation and sustainability. The successful trial demonstrates the viability of integrating sustainable solutions into their operation. The trial, which took place over a 2-week period showcased the capabilities of the Sunswap Endurance refrigeration unit running frozen delivery cycles.

JS Davidson integrated Sunswap’s Endurance unit into its fleet, treating it as “just another fridge in their operation. The fact that the transport team incorporated the Endurance refrigeration unit into their daily operations without any disruptions or special treatment highlights the technology’s ability to function as a direct replacement for conventional diesel-powered units.

The data collected during the trial demonstrates JS Davidson could remove 519 tonnes of CO2 and 5 tonnes of NOx over the lifetime of five units, taking substantial steps towards creating a cleaner cold chain.

The trailer-top solar panels collected free energy during the trial, reducing reliance on grid charging. Simulations based on 10 years of weather data suggest that solar energy could contribute up to 37% of the unit’s energy needs during spring months.