Trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull recently received a sustainability award from the German Institute for Service Quality for its energy-efficient, all-electric S.KOe Cool semi-trailer refrigerated box.
The trailer secured the top honor in the “Technology-Energy” category.
Marnix Lannoije, director of research and development at Schmitz Cargobull, accepted the prize at the official award ceremony in Berlin.
“Schmitz Cargobull has been investing in research and development for sustainable and energy-efficient transport solutions for many years,” Lannoije said in a news release. “We are delighted that the all-electric S.KOe Cool refrigerated box has won this award, recognizing it as a transport solution that can make a significant contribution to reducing the CO2 footprint.
“The award is for the entire team and underlines our commitment to sustainable cutting-edge technology. At the same time, it is also a mandate for us to continue offering customers practical transport solutions that pay off.”
The all-electric S.KOe Cool semi-trailer is equipped with a purely electric refrigeration unit with integrated power electronics and a high-voltage battery system, as well as an axle generator, allowing it to operate emission-free. The electric vehicle also is quiet, enabling deliveries in urban areas in the early morning hours and late evening. The batteries on the landing gear replace the diesel tank and offer the option of installing an additional pallet box with space for 36 pallets. The payload of the all-electric reefer box with high-voltage battery and e-axle is roughly the same as that of a refrigerated trailer with a diesel unit, the company said.
The additional weight of the battery on the all-electric refrigerated trailer is almost completely compensated for by the elimination of the generator.
The electric Schmitz Cargobull trailer axle recuperates energy during braking, extending the operating time of the refrigeration unit or reducing the recharging times of the battery via the power grid. In practical use in delivery traffic, fuel savings of 5% were achieved in combination with a diesel-powered tractor. The generator output of the electric axle is precisely matched to the requirements of the refrigeration machine. The system is fully integrated into the Schmitz Cargobull telematics, so that the battery charge status, remaining range, and remaining charging time can be monitored via the telematics portal.
At the German Award for Sustainability Projects, initiatives from all economic sectors were honored under the patronage of Brigitte Zypries, former Federal Minister of Justice and Economics. A total of 283 companies or projects were nominated, 69 of which won awards. The jury judged the sustainability projects on economic and environmental goals, such as raw material efficiency, recycling and nature conservation, and social objectives, including education, health, and equal opportunities.