eNow, provider of solar energy applications for the trucking industry, unveiled its first all-electric solar-based refrigeration system deployed on a 53-foot tractor-trailer.
Its demo truck was displayed at the recently held ACT (Advanced Clean Transportation) Expo 2018 in Long Beach CA. eNow’s reefer trailer integrates its proprietary solar technology, battery storage and patented electronic control system.
“This is a defining moment in clean transportation and a huge technological hurdle,” said Jeff Flath, president and CEO of eNow. “Over the last six years, we have demonstrated that our solar systems are powerful, reliable, and highly cost-effective—providing emissions-free energy for thousands of trucks across the country. With our new 100% electric reefer trailer, the food industry—with its more than 500,000 refrigerated vehicles—can realize the same economic and environmental benefits.”
eNow has a strong track record in solar-powered electric refrigeration systems. It first demonstrated the effectiveness of its technology by developing the first zero-emission transport refrigeration unit (TRU) on a commercial truck in summer 2017 in San Joaquin Valley, California. There, it achieved emission reductions of 98% nitrogen oxide, 86% carbon dioxide, and 97% particulate matter over a five-month test period.
While the eNow TRU functioned as well as a diesel reefer unit, it was also projected to reduce operating costs by up to 90%.
“The back of this truck (was) every bit as cold as diesel,” said Tom Ditto, vice-president of Challenge Dairy. What’s more, eNow’s TRU was also projected to reduce operating costs by up to 90%—thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs, and significantly extended battery life.
Flath said, “eNow’s team has equally high expectations for the newest addition to our portfolio of zero-emission all-electric solar-based refrigeration systems.”
For more information, go to www.enowenergy.com.
