La Société des Transports Biocoop, the transport arm of France's Biocoop organic food stores, has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint by acquiring its first semi-trailer equipped with Carrier Transicold's fully electric Vector eCool refrigeration unit. This system allows the semi-trailer to operate entirely on electricity, eliminating the need for an internal combustion engine. Carrier Transicold, part of Carrier Global Corporation, leads in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
Biocoop, having already converted 75% of its fleet to biogas with a goal of 100% by 2025, looks to further decarbonize its transport operations. The company plans to convert 30% of its refrigerated trailers to Carrier Transicold's eCool technology by 2030, aiming for a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions across all activities.
"The Vector eCool is a major advancement for us," stated Ouadie Benaissa, Managing Director of Société des Transports Biocoop. "We are committed to sustainable, non-fossil fuel energy sources as part of our decarbonisation strategy. Renewing our partnership with Carrier Transicold, we aim to phase out non-road diesel refrigeration units."
Carrier Transicold’s Vector eCool integrates all-electric E-Drive technology with an energy recovery and storage system that captures kinetic energy from the semi-trailer, storing it in batteries that power the refrigeration unit. This system operates autonomously without direct CO2 or particulate emissions.
With an operating noise level under 60 dB, the Vector eCool is ideal for urban and night-time deliveries, minimizing noise disturbances and improving driver comfort.
The new Chéreau semi-trailer, hitched to a biogas-powered Scania tractor, will serve delivery routes around Île-de-France and Paris, starting from Ollainville. "After testing, we had over 85% battery energy remaining post-delivery," remarked Benaissa.
This move reinforces Biocoop's pioneering role in sustainable logistics and its ongoing innovation to reduce environmental impact.
