Journey Through 28 Trials: Sunswap Endurance Leading the Shift to Electric Transport Refrigeration

At Sunswap, we’re on a mission to decarbonise the cold chain industry with our purpose-built electric transport refrigeration technology. Our zero-emission, battery and solar-powered transport refrigeration unit, Endurance, has undergone extensive real-world testing, demonstrating its capability to deliver chilled and frozen goods efficiently and sustainably.  

With 28 real-world trials across leading operators under our belt, let’s explore how Endurance is setting new standards in zero-emission refrigerated transport and providing operators with a viable alternative to diesel-powered units.

We will cover Endurance’s performance across chilled, frozen, and multi-temperature routes, and the considerable benefits solar has shown in trials.

Keep reading to discover why electric transport refrigeration is the future of temperature-controlled logistics.

Chilled Transport Refrigeration Performance

Endurance has proven its mettle in chilled operations, from sensitive fresh produce to dairy. The system’s efficiency truly shines in chilled operations:

• Up to 2 months of operation on a single charge
• Solar panels can provide 85% of energy needs through an entire year, extending range and minimising charging time and infrastructure
• Whisper-quiet operation, ideal for urban deliveries and noise-sensitive areas

During a two-week trial with Müller UK & Ireland Group, Endurance maintained a steady 3°C for milk deliveries while running entirely on solar power. Not only did Endurance provide all the cooling needs, but we also project that across the entire year, 78% of Müller’s energy requirements will be provided by solar power. This not only demonstrates the system’s reliability but also the potential for significant cost and environmental savings.

A chilled trial with Chiltern Distribution on 2°C routes also evidenced the reliability of Endurance, including running on an intensive delivery cycle of up to 23 hours on a medium battery size, which included multiple deliveries.

Brian Sagaseta, Managing Director, Chiltern Distribution commented “We were hugely impressed by Sunswap’s Endurance technology during testing. Beyond the sustainability gains, it proved incredibly easy to integrate into normal operations right away without workflow adjustments.  We didn’t need to think twice about the routes we put it on – we just used it as normal.”

Lee Juniper of Freshlinc also had positive comments following a successful trial on Freshlinc’s chilled routes, stating “Due to the high utilisation and efficiency of our temperature-controlled fleet, I was initially sceptical that any battery-powered refrigeration unit would be able to meet the high demands we put on our equipment.”

However, after running the battery and solar-powered unit during their normal operations “I and the team at Freshlinc were pleasantly surprised with the performance of the Sunswap system and how it handled the requirements that come with delivering fresh produce. I’m pleased to see Sunswap have created true competition for diesel fridges.”

Frozen Deliveries: Conquering Extreme Temperatures

Endurance doesn’t back down from the challenges of frozen cargo either. If asked about the efficiency and durability of electric transport refrigeration we point to our frozen trials which have proven Endurance’s ability to maintain ultra-low temperatures consistently, even in the most demanding conditions.

Key performance metrics for frozen operations include:

• Consistent temperature control as low as -25°C
• 24+ hours of frozen goods delivery on a single charge
• Rapid pull-down times, matching or exceeding diesel unit capabilities

In a trial with international shipping and logistics giant DFDS, Endurance performed well at -22°C. Even though DFDS trialled an early iteration of the unit with a smaller battery, the transport refrigeration unit was more than capable of delivering 22 hours of frozen cooling time across 2 days.

The benefits extend beyond performance. Sunswap Endurance can reduce operating costs (OPEX) and therefore reduce the total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to diesel units. For example, DFDS is expected to achieve a 71% OPEX saving and a 13% TCO saving.

Multi-Temperature Delivery: Flexible Operation

Endurance is designed to handle multi-temperature delivery routes per customer specification. This came into play during our trial with Tesco, the largest retailer in the UK, with routes that involved 3 temperature setpoints and a range of distances.

Tesco’s most demanding challenge for Endurance was a 17-hour delivery route with three stops, maintaining temperatures of 1°C and 12°C in the midsummer sun. Endurance successfully handled the route and showcased that it could help achieve a 70% OPEX saving for Tesco.

“Many low- and zero-emission prototypes have been tested on Tesco delivery routes. We found the Sunswap system to be the standout for performance and it’s unique ability to complete our complete range of delivery cycles.” Cliff Smith, Fleet Engineering Manager, Tesco

By conquering all chilled, frozen and multi-temperature challenges, Endurance is setting the standard for versatility and efficiency in sustainable refrigerated transport.

Solar-Powered Innovation

But that’s not all – Endurance has demonstrated the ability to operate entirely on clean, renewable solar energy.

During trials with Samworth Brothers and Moran Logistics, Endurance maintained perfect conditions for sensitive cargo showing the ability to run solely on solar power, eliminating grid energy consumption.

MMID trialled the zero-emission Sunswap Endurance in our fleet in 2023 to align with our Net Zero ambitions. We were impressed with the performance of the system and its ability to run for the entirety of the trial on free clean energy generated by the solar panels’ Wayne Exley, Senior Logistics Manager, Muller

Endurance’s solar capabilities showcase the remarkable synergy between energy supply and demand in the cold chain. Solar generates more power in the hotter warmer months – just when it is needed.

On hot, sunny days when cooling demands are highest, Endurance can collect up to 25kWh of energy throughout the day. This helps to maintain optimal temperatures while minimising reliance on grid charging.

This intelligent design not only increases range, and reduces operational costs, but also keeps capital expenditure down. The solar array effectively provides the equivalent capacity of a 25kWh battery – an addition that would typically cost thousands of pounds more. By harnessing the power of the sun, Sunswap delivers enhanced performance without the need for oversized, expensive battery packs.

Partnering for Sustainable Zero Emission Refrigeration

The success of these trials has led 11 companies (and counting) to place significant orders for Endurance units. From DFDS, Samworth Brothers, Bannister Transport, Staples Vegetables, and TIP Group expanding Sunswap into Europe.

Discover how Sunswap’s Endurance technology is changing the world of transport refrigeration, one zero-emission unit at a time. Speak to our team about booking a trial for your fleet.

Alastair Gough, Head of Business Development
alastair.gough@sunswap.co.uk

Patrick Eaton, Senior Account Executive
patrick.eaton@sunswap.co.uk