Hybrid Trailer Refrigeration Units Offer Sustainable Option in Urban Areas
22nd November 2017
Thermo King® has launched an innovative refrigeration unit for semi-trailer applications designed for lower environmental impact and reduced operating costs. Initially introduced as a technology concept in 2016, the SLXi Hybrid new unit is now officially available as part of the SLXi portfolio.
The Thermo King SLXi Hybrid uses a Frigoblock EnviroDrive package. This package includes a generator installed on the tractor engine and an inverter-drive system to provide constant electric power and operate in electric mode both when connected to a three-phase power supply at the loading dock and while driving on the road. The technology allows for all deliveries to be performed with the refrigeration unit’s diesel engine turned off for minimum impact on the cities’ or stores’ environments. This offers a unique flexibility to transport companies, as the diesel engine can be restarted whenever needed and allows the unit to keep its full autonomy at all times.
“The SLXi Hybrid is a truly innovative technology that answers our customers’ demand for solutions that will give them easier access to restricted, low-emission urban areas while lowering their environmental footprint and operating costs in the same time,” said Laurent Debias, product management leader at Thermo King and Frigoblock. “With this new hybrid technology our customers can create a truly flexible long haul and urban distribution refrigeration fleet for all their semi-trailer applications.”
For even more operational flexibility, the new hybrid technology from Thermo King and Frigoblock can be applied to a SLXi trailer fleet already in operation. One tractor can pull different trailers operating in hybrid mode and customers can easily upgrade their existing fleet with the hybrid mode capability at one of the hundreds Thermo King authorised dealers and service centres across Europe.
Thermo King and Frigoblock closely cooperated with their German dealer EURAM and MJ Transport GmbH from Dortmund to conduct thorough, real life testing of the unit. For the last few months the tractor and a semi-trailer equipped with the SLXi Hybrid system has been transporting frozen and temperature sensitive fresh products and plants between Germany, The Netherlands and Belgium.