TIP, Sunswap launch EU trails with Daily Logistics Group

TIP Group and Sunswap, a clean-tech startup out to decarbonize cold chain logistics, recently started a long-term trial of a zero-emission transport refrigeration unit (TRU) with Daily Logistics Group (DLG), a logistics provider specializing in multimodal conditioned transport across Europe.

The trial will showcase Sunswap’s Endurance, a purpose-built TRU that combines advanced battery technology with integrated solar power. TIP is leasing the trailer to DLG as the logistics firm puts the zero-emission technology through its paces across demanding long-distance European routes. The pilot aims to demonstrate how Sunswap’s proven zero-emission technology, already validated through 16 U.K. customers, can deliver reliable performance across European routes, the companies reported.

“DLG is thrilled to be a part of this exciting trial with TIP and Sunswap,” Ingmar Coppoolse, DLG manager for fleet, claims and HESQ, said in a news release. “We believe that pioneering technologies like Sunswap’s are key to unlocking a route to lower emissions throughout European FMCG [fast-moving consumer goods] transportation. Removing diesel-powered refrigeration from the road-haulage cold chain is a huge opportunity for lower emissions, and we look forward to our trial demonstrating to our peers in the road haulage industry that there are clear routes forward to cleaner technologies that will significantly reduce our emissions as a sector.”

Endurance features solar panels fitted to the roof of the trailer, combined with a modular battery and energy-efficient system, which provides a high-performance zero-emission solution to power the trailer’s refrigeration unit.

Based on data from multiple U.K. operations and Sunswap’s analytics, Endurance has demonstrated up to 81% savings on operating costs compared to traditional diesel refrigeration, transforming both environmental impact and financial performance for fleets, Sunswap said. Each Sunswap unit eliminates CO2 across its lifetime—equivalent to removing 26 cars from the road for a year—while producing zero NOx emissions and particulate matter that affect local air quality. The trailer-mounted solar panels extend the range while reducing the need for grid charging and additional batteries, generating up to 85% of the required energy annually with free power.

“We’re proud to extend our partnership with DLG, leveraging Sunswap’s innovative refrigeration system to meet their sustainability and efficiency targets,” said Rogier Laan, TIP vice president of sales and marketing. “With over 16,000 refrigerated trailers in our lease and rental fleet, TIP plays an important role in reducing the climate impact by testing and evaluating the best practice for sustainable transportation. Our goal is to eliminate diesel use in new refrigerated trailers and lead the way in implementing environmentally friendly technology in the transport sector."