Australia’s first all-electric solar reefer

British manufacturer Sunswap has introduced its Endurance fully electric, solar-powered reefers to Australian roads through an exclusive partnership with transport refrigeration specialist Protran Solutions.

Australia becomes Sunswap’s sixth international market, following deployments across the UK, Belgium, the Netherlands, France and Chile, where its technology is already operating daily for major retailers and logistics operators, including Tesco, DLG, Ocado and Noble Foods.

Diesel-free refrigeration

“Operators are choosing Endurance because it handles demanding operations better than diesel while cutting costs dramatically,” said Sunswap CEO Michael Lowe

“The environmental benefit is the outcome, not the compromise. That’s what’s driving adoption globally – fleets get better performance, lower costs, and zero emissions. The partnership with Protran brings that to Australian operators.”

According to Sunswap, international logistics providers have recorded operating cost reductions of up to 81 per cent, alongside simplified maintenance when compared with traditional diesel reefers.

‘Making Australian sunshine work harder’

Ahead of its commercial rollout, the Endurance system has already undergone a high-profile local trial designed to test its suitability for Australian distances and climates.

Protran Solutions successfully completed a 1600 km Sydney-Brisbane-Sydney return journey in just three days, running the refrigeration unit entirely on battery and solar power, without using any diesel.

The technology relies on solar panels mounted across the reefer roof, which continuously charge onboard batteries that power the refrigeration system. The batteries can also be topped up overnight from the electricity grid if needed, providing operators with added flexibility.

“Australia’s sunshine is perfect for this technology,” said Mr Lowe.

“We’re proud to be partnering with Protran Solutions, one of Australia’s emerging leaders in transport refrigeration, to bring the Sunswap Endurance to the Australian market. This is the same world-class unit delivering groceries across the UK, Europe and South America, and now Australian operators will have the opportunity to realise zero-emissions refrigeration from day one.”

Operational capability

The Endurance can deliver up to 24 hours of frozen operation from a single charge, with solar input extending range and reducing the need for external charging. It supports temperatures from -25°C for frozen goods up to ambient, making it suitable for a wide range of chilled and multi-temperature freight.

Protran Solutions General Manager Grant Turner notes that Australian conditions are particularly well-suited to solar refrigeration, especially during the hotter months.

“Australian sunshine has always been a challenge for diesel refrigeration,” he said. “The harder the sun beats down, the harder diesel units work, and the more fuel they burn. The Sunswap Endurance flips that equation entirely. More sun means more power, exactly when you need it most.”

He added that the simplicity of the system is a key advantage. “There’s no fuel tank, no e-axles, and no payload penalty from oversized battery systems. It’s a genuinely next-generation cold-chain solution for Australian conditions.”

Mr Turner also pointed to the broader commercial benefits, noting that the Sunswap Endurance “can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20 ton per year” while delivering the same operational capability as conventional refrigeration units.

Locally supported

Sunswap’s expansion into Australia follows a significant manufacturing scale-up at its facility in Surrey, where production is increasing to meet growing global demand. 

In Australia, Protran Solutions, which has more than 30 years of industry experience, will manage the entire supply chain, including delivery, installation, ongoing maintenance and cold-chain compliance support. The company has already secured its first Australian customer, with additional reefers currently undergoing trials with cold-chain operators on both long-haul and regional routes.

“European operations prove this technology works in demanding commercial use,” Mr Turner said. “Australian operators need refrigeration that performs reliably while reducing costs. Endurance delivers both.”