Brakes has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint by testing all-electric refrigerated transport solutions. The company aims to dramatically decrease emissions by incorporating zero-emission vehicles into its primary fleet and multi-drop operation. Brakes has started deliveries with two temperature-controlled electric 19-tonne Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs), featuring Frigoblock EK25 and FK2 refrigeration units. The vehicles have been in operation since late 2022, serving customers in the Midlands and from Brake’s Reading depot near London since January 2023.
The refrigeration units used by Brakes are vital to maintaining the cold chain in conjunction with the vehicle, ensuring zero direct exhaust emissions. The Frigoblock EK25 has successfully met these challenges. The unit provides maximum efficiency and minimal impact on the vehicle’s fuel or power consumption, thanks to its inverter technology. These capabilities made the Frigoblock EK25 the primary refrigeration technology considered by Brakes for their new BEVs.
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According to Paul Vernon, head of fleet for Sysco GB, “Our vehicles in the UK cover almost 60 million miles a year, making our fleet’s transformation to zero-emissions a central element in achieving our company’s ambitious decarbonization targets and helping our customers with theirs.” Brakes has been partnering with Frigoblock and Thermo King for years, relying on their expertise to find the right electric transport refrigeration for their new zero-emission vehicles.
The move towards zero-emission vehicles is significant, as it demonstrates a commitment towards reducing environmental impact. Jon Jerrard-Dinn, area sales manager at Thermo King and Frigoblock, adds, “It is uplifting to enable our customers like Brakes to lead the way in decarbonising, electrifying and minimising the environmental impact of transport and delivery operations. The technology exists today, and we are working hard to help the industry recognise the benefits and ease of electrifying their refrigerated vehicles to move goods in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way. We’re excited that together with Brakes and Sysco, we can demonstrate this innovation in real life.”
Brakes’ move towards zero-emission vehicles is a step in the right direction towards reducing environmental impact, and it sets a standard for other companies in the industry. By partnering with Frigoblock and Thermo King, Brakes has found the right electric transport refrigeration technology for its new BEVs. This is a testament to the fact that the technology exists today, and companies can move towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly way of transporting goods.
