Green refrigeration tech is transforming the cold chain

Temperature controlled logistics is changing rapidly, with energy-efficient technologies being developed and adopted in Australia and beyond, helping to reduce emissions, cut waste and control costs, shaping the future of refrigerated transport as we know it.

Tesco expands dual-refrigerant HC/CO₂ fleet

British supermarket giant Tesco, which is aiming for carbon neutrality across its operations by 2035 and net zero across its entire value chain by 2050, has ordered five new refrigerated trucks fitted with EcoolTec TM182 transport refrigeration systems after successful trials last year.

Developed in collaboration with UK-based Gray & Adams and German manufacturer EcoolTec, the TM182 units simultaneously use carbon dioxide (R744) and propene (R1270) refrigerants with zero PFAS and respective global warming potentials of one and three.

The TM182 units use a low-charge R1270 circuit mounted on the roof of the trailer, connected to a secondary R744 refrigeration loop that serves the evaporators inside the vehicle.

Each circuit contains 650g of R1270 and 1kg of R744, forming four independent, fully sealed refrigeration systems that minimise refrigerant use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Power for the refrigeration system is supplied by the EcoolTec G30 generator, which is mechanically driven by the truck’s engine rather than a separate diesel motor, eliminating the need for an auxiliary power source. 

An optional battery can also run the unit while parked, with a mains plug for depot use.

The trucks feature a dual-compartment, multi-temperature box body with movable partitions, allowing frozen and fresh goods to be transported simultaneously. 

A single EcoolTec evaporator cools the front compartment, while a double evaporator maintains the rear section.

EcoolTec claims the system consumes 60 per cent less fuel and reduces CO₂ emissions by 80 per cent compared with a conventional diesel-powered refrigeration unit with equivalent cooling capacity.

During trials, the TM182 units maintained consistent temperature control across multiple delivery stops, confirming their ability to preserve chilled and frozen goods under real-world conditions.

Tesco fleet engineering manager Cliff Smith said the grocer was pleased with the trial results was “looking forward to introducing another five to our fleet”.

EcoolTec CEO Henning Altebäumer welcomed Tesco’s decision, adding that “Tesco’s on-road tests and follow-up order confirm our performance promises”.

“We would like to thank them for their trust.”

Beyond operational savings, the adoption of EcoolTec’s TM182 system helps Tesco align with the European Union’s HFC phase-down and future-proof its logistics.

Carrier Transicold bridges diesel and electric fleets 

The Carrier Transicold eCool-Drive power converter transforms high-voltage DC from an electric or hybrid prime mover’s battery into the AC required to power traditional transport refrigeration units, bridging the gap between diesel and electric refrigeration fleets.

It is designed to assist fleet operators that are transitioning to electric vehicles while maintaining the reliability and cooling performance traditionally associated with diesel-powered refrigeration systems.

Unveiled at the Solutrans 2025 transport trade show in Lyon, France, the 20kW eCool-Drive module enables existing diesel refrigeration units to be retrofitted for electric operation without needing to be fully replaced. 

The module is also compatible with any semi-trailer that supports electrification, offering fleet operators flexibility in upgrading their existing vehicles.

“At Carrier Transicold, our priority is enabling a seamless transition to electric transport for our customers,” said product director Jean-Michel Vadecard.

“Through collaboration with leading manufacturers of commercial heavy-duty vehicles, we ensure our solution integrates easily into today’s electric fleets. We remain committed to providing reliable, flexible, and safe technology that supports cleaner transport and helps reduce the industry’s carbon footprint.”

This collaboration with major truck manufacturers means the eCool-Drive is compatible with both low- and high-voltage electric prime mover platforms.

It complies with R10 (electromagnetic compatibility) and R100 (high-voltage safety) standards and includes galvanic insulation for improved safety and reliability.

This new system complements Carrier’s Eco-Drive technology, which draws power from a truck’s internal combustion engine to operate refrigeration units.

Refrigeration innovation honoured on US coin

The United States Mint will honour the pioneering work of Thermo King and the invention of mobile refrigeration on a new $1 coin in 2026 as part of the American Innovation Coin Program, which has celebrated technological milestones from each U.S. state, territory, and district since its inception in 2018.

In Thermo King’s instance, the coin pays tribute to Minnesota’s contributions to refrigeration technology and the legacy of Frederick McKinley Jones, who co-founded U.S. Thermo Control (later Thermo King). 

In 1939, Mr Jones patented the first refrigerated truck and in 1941 his improved Model C, featuring a front-mounted refrigeration unit, revolutionised the transport of perishable goods by making it possible to ship food, medicines and crops worldwide.

The design of the coin, created by Beth Zaiken and sculpted by Joseph V. Noorigian, features a 1940s-era truck with an early refrigeration unit and icons symbolising the temperature-sensitive goods made transportable by this innovation.

Headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, Thermo King continues to build on Jones’ groundbreaking work, remaining leader in transport refrigeration.

The coin both honours Mr Jones’ technological advancement and celebrates Minnesota’s key role in the development of modern cold-chain logistics.

Cooler Delivers first all-electric ute freezer 

Australian refrigeration specialist Cooler, which has more than 40 years’ experience in designing, building, and servicing refrigerated vehicles and Pantech trucks, has delivered what it claims is Australia’s first 100 per cent electric ute freezer, custom-built for Peachester Fresh.

Capable of maintaining –20°C continuously for more than six hours at full load, the unit offers even longer performance under typical refrigeration cycles, according to Cooler director Mark Carter.

Designed for maximum flexibility, it automatically switches between three power sources: the vehicle’s alternator, a solar panel, and mains plug-in.

The 12-volt DC horizontal scroll compressor system ensures efficient operation in everyday use.

“Under typical refrigeration cycles, performance extends further,” said Mr Carter said, suggesting the freezer would be reliabile for extended field operations.

In good light, the 170-watt solar panel can harvest around 10 amps per hour, extending runtime to more than 10 hours and reducing reliance on vehicle power.

The system can also operate and recharge simultaneously on any standard 240V 10A circuit, or draw power from a 150A upgraded alternator supplied by Rapid Power Industries, providing versatile options for a variety of job sites.

Noise reduction was a key design focus. “The compressor is near-silent, with only the fans audible at around 40–60 decibels when standing beside the vehicle,” Mr Carter said.

Quiet operation makes the design suitable for locations where petrol generator use is restricted due to noise limits.

“This build delivers reliable cold storage, long battery life and quiet operation – meeting strict site requirements without compromise,” added Mr Carter.