Thermo King adds hybrids

Transport refrigeration specialist Thermo King has developed new diesel-electric hybrid systems for trucks, drawbar trailers and high-loaders.

In addition to reduced running costs, the hybrids’ alternator and inverter-drive technology from sister company Frigoblock, enable switching between diesel and electric operation as needed.

Thermo King says these dual modes enable transport companies to “operate in inner cities, residential areas and low emission zones with the refrigeration unit’s diesel engine turned off”.

Suitable for single- and multi-temperature setups, Thermo King’s new nose-mount T-Series Hybrid and under-mount UT Hybrid refrigeration join the company’s existing SLXi Hybrid trailer systems.

British food wholesaler Castell Howell Foods started trials of a UT Hybrid last May, working it hard on a six-day week with more than 30 deliveries per day and a mixture of urban and motorway driving.

Castell Howell transport operations director Martin Jones said the use of the hybrid had saved the company around 20 litres of fuel per day and that drivers had been impressed by the system’s seamless transition between diesel and electric operation.

Mr Jones also found the quieter operation of electric mode useful for early morning deliveries in residential areas.