European logistics operator, Logista, has taken delivery of its first refrigerated trailer equipped with an AxlePower dynamic energy recovery system to reduce transport emissions and improve fleet efficiency.
The award-winning Thermo King AxlePower system enables electric cooling that is self-charging when on the road. It is a fully integrated, prime mover independent system that combines BPW’s ePower axle with a Thermo King ENERG-e battery pack and smart power management technology.
The Thermo King Advancer hybrid refrigeration unit operates silently with zero carbon dioxide emissions while on battery power, which will allow Logista to sustainably run long-haul and inner-city deliveries, including in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs) and low noise urban areas.
On average, one AxlePower system can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 7.5 tonnes annually compared to a diesel transport refrigeration unit, with reductions reaching up to 12 tonnes per year for trailers operating approximately 3,000 hours in distribution.
Thermo King AxlePower system leverages proprietary smart power management, which dynamically monitors road conditions and driving operations to maximise kinetic and thermal energy recovered by the trailer’s e-axle. Fleet managers can see real-time battery charge and performance, ensuring efficiency without driver intervention.
Unlike other axle generators, the sophisticated control system will also disengage the e-axle during uphill climbs, avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption, therefore increasing uptime while reducing operating costs and direct carbon emissions.
Logista has already achieved an 84 per cent rate of all kilometres travelled using a sustainable fleet and aims to reach 90 per cent by 2026 according to its ESG target.
“With this addition to our fleet, we continue to innovate to offer increasingly sustainable services and reduce the carbon footprint of our transportation division,” said Logista General Manager Iberia and Polonia, Pedro de Bernardo.
“To achieve this, we adopt technologies that support our decarbonisation goals, while improving energy and operational efficiency.”
Thermo King EMEA President Truck, Trailer, Bus and Global Marine, Rail, Air, Claudio Zanframundo, said zero-emission supply chains are essential as consumer demands increasingly prioritise sustainability and efficiency.
“To reduce emissions and decarbonise our cities, we must revolutionise how we use energy in transport, making sure we use every possibility to tap into, and not waste the available energy sources,” he said.
“AxlePower provides an innovative and efficient way to recover energy during normal trailer operations, that traditionally, would simply be lost.
“By recuperating the energy we reduce emissions, fuel consumption and dependency on external power sources, supporting the transition to greener transport and meeting the increasing environmental demands of the logistics industry.”
Frigicoll, Thermo King’s award-winning authorised dealer in Spain and Portugal, underscored the operational benefits of the Thermo King system.
“AxlePower represents a transformative step in refrigerated trailer transport, combining cutting-edge energy recovery technology with practical usability,” said Frigicoll Managing Director, Juan Rigoll.
“This project showcases our shared commitment to driving sustainability within the transport industry, and we’re proud to bring this solution to forward thinking companies like Logista.”
In other news, Bidfood is taking delivery of its 250th Frigoblock FK2 refrigeration unit.
Earlier this year, Thermo King announced the winners of its 2024 Dealer of the Year Awards.
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