Maxwell Vehicles recently launched the eC30 integrated electric refrigeration system designed for the Ford E-Transit.
The first-of-its-kind eC30 taps into the E-Transit’s existing powertrain battery to provide a 90-plus hours of refrigeration runtime, enabling CARB-compliant, zero-emissions operation without the need for secondary battery systems, the company reported. This approach preserves payload and cargo capacity and simplifies operation.
The E-Transit eC30 joins Maxwell’s existing lineup of eCooler products offered for its own all-electric ePro vans and box trucks since 2019. By expanding offerings to the E-Transit, Maxwell aims to make zero-emissions refrigeration a viable option for fleet operators transitioning away from fossil fuels. For the California market in particular, the eC30-equipped E-Transit provides a solution for fleets that must comply with CARB mandates.
To help bring the product to market, Maxwell Vehicles also partnered with Tom’s Truck Center, one of the largest Ford dealers in California, and Thermobile, a vehicle upfitter known for its “high-quality” refrigerated vehicle insulation systems, Maxwell said. Together, this partnership will offer eC30-equipped E-Transits starting at $85,500.
The eC30 electric refrigeration system addresses the demand for “efficient and eco-friendly” cold-chain solutions.
“We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking electric refrigeration system in collaboration with Tom’s Truck Center and Thermobile,” Maxwell CEO Max Pfieffer said in a news release. “This partnership underscores our commitment to delivering sustainable, high-performance solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers in the logistics and transportation sectors.”
- Efficiency: Utilization of Maxwell’s advanced controls technology ensures optimal performance and eliminates bulky secondary systems that would otherwise consume valuable payload and cargo capacity.
- Ease of use: By using the vehicle’s powertrain battery, the eC30 allows operators to complete longer routes with uninterrupted refrigeration and avoid the hassle of charging separate battery systems. The eC30 can operate while the vehicle is driving, parked, or connected to a charger.
- Optimized design: Maxwell optimized the design of the eC30, most notably by eliminating the ubiquitous rooftop condenser in favor of a condenser package mounted below the vehicle. Removing the condenser from the roof reduces aerodynamic drag to preserve driving range, and eliminates the risk of costly damage when entering low-clearance garages.
- Powerful Controls: The eC30 is equipped with an intuitive touch screen display in the cabin, as well as remote LTE access through the Maxwell Portal. Drivers and fleet operators can view system status, change set points, and troubleshoot from anywhere.
