English food retailer Tesco recently deployed five Sunswap Endurance electric transport refrigeration units.

UK retailer deploys electric TRUs

June 20, 2025

Sunswap’s zer0-emission transport refrigeration units with batteries and roof-mounted solar panels are expected to help Tesco meet its sustainability goals.

U.K.-based food retailer Tesco recently deployed electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs) from Sunswap, marking a major shift away from diesel-powered cooling systems for the company’s fleet.

Sunswap's zero-emission eTRUs use roof-mounted panels and batteries to maintain temperatures without diesel, ensuring refrigerated vehicles aren’t burning fuel when they’re stationary. Sunswap began manufacturing its purpose-built battery- and solar-powered Endurance units in November 2024 at its in-house production facility in Leatherhead. Tesco took delivery of five Endurance units in February at its Peterborough depot that replaced diesel-powered units. Sunswap’s technology eliminates carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.

“At Tesco, we have an ambitious goal for carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035 and net zero across our value chain by 2050,” Cliff Smith, Tesco fleet engineering manager, said in a news release. “Our trial with Sunswap demonstrated solar and battery power can successfully be used across our road transport cold chain, reducing emissions while maintaining optimal temperatures across frozen, chilled, and ambient deliveries.”

The deployment follows extensive trials in which Endurance performed successfully across multiple temperature zones and delivery distances—even during hot summer conditions, Sunswap reported. Tesco’s triple-temperature trailers will transport fresh produce, dairy, and frozen foods in separate compartments during single-delivery runs.

Sunswap’s approach integrates trailer-top solar panels and in-built modular batteries to power a high-performing system designed specifically for the demanding requirements of modern cold chain operations.

“Tesco choosing Sunswap Endurance for their fleet is a landmark moment for sustainable food transport,” Sunswap CEO Michael Lowe said. “When a retailer of Tesco’s scale deploys electric refrigeration across operations, it validates the technology for the entire industry and accelerates adoption.”