Supra Electric Truck Refrigeration Unit Delivers 100% Performance with Zero-Emissions
Revolutionary new electric truck refrigeration technology from Carrier Transicold is demonstrating an emissions-free path forward for refrigerated transporters who want to incorporate more sustainable systems into their fleets.
The emissions-free electric Supra® demonstration unit was unveiled by Carrier Transicold at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo held recently in Long Beach, California.
“Designed to provide maximum range and refrigeration capacities similar to those now only achieved by diesel-powered truck systems, the engineless Supra technology will be applied to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or to run autonomously with conventional engine-driven trucks,” said Scott Parker, Product Manager, Truck Products, Carrier Transicold.
Parker said that at the ACT Expo there was significant interest and enthusiasm for the electric unit, especially from California fleet managers in attendance, who recognize the potential of this unit to help them achieve compliance with new regulations proposed by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
“The pending requirements stipulate that California fleets must convert 15% of their refrigerated trucks to zero-emission (ZE) refrigeration technologies by Dec. 31, 2023, with continued expansion of ZE technologies in the years following,” Parker said. “Also the CARB proposal calls for the use of refrigerants with lower global warming potential than traditional refrigerants.”
“Our new electric Supra unit responds on both counts,” Parker said.
“The new electric design completely removes the diesel engine from the equation,” Parker said. “It takes advantage of many of the system design, performance and efficiency enhancements that we recently introduced with our diesel-powered Supra series platform. As we upgraded our Supra line, we had an eye on the future, anticipating that the road ahead would require more sustainable, zero-emission technologies.”
Similar to Carrier’s Vector™ trailer refrigeration systems, the electric Supra unit uses E-Drive™ technology, a uniquely all-electric refrigeration architecture that couples efficient performance with reduced maintenance requirements. Features and benefits of the Supra zero-emission design include:
- Efficient zero-emissions performance – Utilizing a direct-current electric power source, the unit eliminates fuel consumption, emissions and noise associated with engine-driven systems.
- Maximum range and high capacity – The unit is being designed for full-day’s use with refrigeration performance on par with conventional diesel systems.
- Reduced service requirements – E-Drive technology uses maintenance-free electric evaporator and condenser fans and a sealed electric compressor, eliminating many typical serviceable items, such as belts, pulleys and shaft seals.
- More environmentally sustainable refrigerant – Using R-452A, with a global warming potential (GWP) that is 45% lower than today’s standard refrigerant, the electric Supra can satisfy CARB’s pending requirement that new transport refrigeration units use refrigerants with a GWP lower than 2,200 beginning in 2023.
For its power source, the electric Supra unit can be equipped with a dedicated battery module when used on a conventional engine-driven truck, and in BEV applications the electric Supra unit can draw energy from the truck’s battery pack. Carrier’s proprietary power-management technologies are designed maximize refrigeration unit performance and battery life for daily delivery operations.
“Carrier Transicold has a solid record of developing industry-leading sustainable refrigeration technologies for the safe transport of perishable and frozen goods, and our new electric Supra concept builds on this legacy with its quiet emissions-free design,” Parker said, adding that full North American commercial availability is slated for 2023.
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