Carrier Transicold’s PIEK-compliant, multi-temperature Iceland units are mounted to an 18-tonne low-entry Mercedes-Benz Econic and a 26-tonne DAF CF, both on contract from Petit Forestier.
The units were selected for their ability to run entirely on hydro-electric power generated by the trucks’ Euro 6 engines – removing the need for a separate diesel engine, so reducing emissions and improving fuel efficiency.
Both have been specified with R452A refrigerant, which has the same cooling capacity, fuel efficiency, reliability and refrigerant charge as R404A, but offers a 45% reduction in GWP (global warming potential – a measure of how much a gas contributes to global warming).
The trial is to prepare the fleet for forthcoming national clean air zones and London’s ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ).
Both vehicles are delivering a mix of ambient, chilled and frozen produce to Whitbread’s Premier Inn chain. The DAF is delivering to Birmingham and Nottingham, both of which will have a clean air zone by 2020; the Mercedes Econic is operating in London, where the ULEZ comes into force in 2020.
Brodie McMillan, logistics director for Whitbread, says: “If these units deliver the benefits we’re expecting, Kuehne + Nagel will be looking to introduce the same technology into our delivery fleet, reducing the environmental impact of our vehicles and helping to improve air quality.”