Commercial vehicle supplier, Dawsongroup truck and trailer (Dawsongroup), has taken delivery of three Carrier Transicold Vector eCool units, the latest UK company to specify the world’s first fully autonomous, all-electric engineless refrigerated trailer system.
Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the renowned global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.
Vector eCool systems
The new Vector eCool systems will operate with the engineless versions of the Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 MT (multi-temperature) and Vector 1550 on two 13.6-meter trailers, with an additional Vector HE 19 MT mounted on a smaller double-axle urban trailer, all built by Gray & Adams.
They join a temperature-controlled rental fleet of close to 2,000 trucks and trailers
They join a temperature-controlled rental fleet of close to 2,000 trucks and trailers – which is around 90% Carrier-cooled – and will demonstrate to Dawsongroup customers that the Vector eCool system can deliver significant sustainability benefits and cost savings.
Cost-effective alternative to diesel power
“We’ve been working with Carrier for more than 25 years,” said John Fletcher, the Managing Director of Dawsongroup truck and trailer, adding “They are peerless in the industry for quality, support and innovation – so we were excited to see the Vector eCool in action, and we weren’t disappointed.”
John Fletcher adds, “Now, we want to showcase these trailers to customers, so that they can see for themselves how the technology can deliver a cost-effective alternative to diesel power that ticks all the right boxes from an environmental perspective. We plan to exhibit one of our new trailers at the ITT Hub event in May.”
E-Drive all-electric technology
The Vector eCool unit combines Carrier’s E-Drive all-electric technology with a new cutting-edge energy recovery and storage system. This converts kinetic energy generated by the trailer axle and brakes into electric power, which is stored in a battery pack that powers the refrigeration unit, a loop that creates the industry’s first fully autonomous system, producing no direct carbon dioxide (CO2) or particulate emissions.
The trailers can be plugged into the electrical grid when parked and fully charge in just two hours using a standard five pin, three-phase standby plug. The system is also ultra-low noise, operating below the PIEK standard, which combined with its emissions performance means it offers the ultimate solution to tightening inner city and urban regulations, while creating a more harmonious working environment for drivers.
Workable alternatives
Dawsongroup has more than 85 years of experience in the commercial vehicle sector
John Fletcher continues, “With the red diesel rebate removed and the cost of fuel in general going through the roof, this technology ties in closely with what, we are trying to promote as a business to our customers. We want to be able to show that there are workable alternatives, which mostly come from Carrier, available for all types of temperature-controlled vehicles, and we’re certain the Vector eCool system will fit into that bracket perfectly.”
Dawsongroup has more than 85 years of experience in the commercial vehicle sector and is eager to add more sustainable refrigeration systems to its rental fleet. The Vector eCool system supports Carrier’s 2030 ESG goal of helping customers avoid more than one Gigaton of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Future of refrigerated trailer technology
“Being able to introduce the Vector eCool together with Dawsongroup to its rental customers in this way represents a fantastic opportunity to showcase the future of refrigerated trailer technology is available today,” said Scott Dargan, Managing Director, UK & Northern Europe, Carrier Transicold.
Scott Dargan adds, “We’re excited to demonstrate how effective the system is at lowering fleet emissions for Dawsongroup’s customer base, while proving how simply and effectively it can fit into standard operations without the concerns and constraints typically associated with engineless technologies.”
Refrigeration solutions for temperature-controlled cargo
Carrier Transicold creates refrigeration solutions to handle precise temperature-controlled cargo, such as food and beverages, as part of its Healthy, Safe, Sustainable Cold Chain Program. Products and services are designed to ensure the safe delivery and consumption of consumer perishable goods.