trans-o-flex orders 174 vehicles with electric cooling

The logistics service provider trans-o-flex ThermoMed, specializing in nationwide pharmaceutical distribution with active temperature control at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, has ordered 174 delivery vehicles equipped with a novel electric cooling system. 74 vehicles from VW and 100 from Mercedes will be equipped with an innovative temperature control system that, while more expensive to purchase than conventional cooling units, operates more quietly and cleanly and has lower overall costs due to fuel savings.

(Weinheim) Conventional cooling units in vans draw the necessary energy exclusively from the vehicle’s engine. “When the vehicle stops for delivery, the engine may need to keep running to ensure temperature control,” explains trans-o-flex CEO Wolfgang P. Albeck. “This not only leads to higher fuel consumption but also to increased noise pollution.”

Both issues can be avoided with a new electrically operated cooling unit that ThermoMed has been testing in practice since April last year on three vehicles: in the pure cooling range of 2 to 8 degrees, in the so-called room temperature range of 15 to 25 degrees, and in mixed operation with two temperature zones. “The devices have met expectations in all areas; they are a true green innovation.”

Vehicle engine is less stressed

During driving, the energy supply for the electric Mitsubishi cooling units is provided by a generator driven by the engine. Once the engine is off, a buffer battery supplies the necessary power. The vehicle engine is also not needed for the required pre-conditioning of the cargo area to the correct temperature. The vehicle can be connected to a conventional 230-volt outlet, which simultaneously charges the buffer battery. Albeck: “We have installed these outlets at our loading gates and can pre-cool the vehicles electrically in summer and heat them in winter.” Another advantage of the new solution: In the event of an engine failure, the vehicles can maintain the temperature for several hours using the battery. Since trans-o-flex exclusively sources green electricity from renewable energy sources, the temperature control of these vehicles is CO2-free.

Further tests of other manufacturers

Because the Mitsubishi unit can currently only be installed on box vehicles and other manufacturers are now also offering electric cooling, trans-o-flex will test additional units from other manufacturers. “Cooling is such a sensitive area for us that we only deploy new technology after thorough practical testing,” says Albeck.

Photo: © trans-o-flex / Photo caption: Externally hardly any difference, but significantly quieter and cleaner in operation: one of the three test vehicles with electric cooling.