Rental specialist, Petit Forestier, has chosen Carrier Transicold's ultra-slim NEOS 100 system as the refrigeration unit for five new all-electric Renault Kangoo vans.
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The new car-derived refrigerated vans equipped with the all-electric NEOS 100 systems support Petit Forestier's plans for commercially viable solutions to adhere to the UK's tightening emissions legislation, as well as showcase the company's approach to addressing environmental concerns within the industry.
"The all-electric NEOS refrigeration system is the ideal choice for helping us create a genuine zero-emissions electric vehicle with enough range to carry out most urban delivery operations," said Pat Skelly, managing director, Petit Forestier. "The NEOS system also uses a refrigerant with a lower global warming potential (GWP), requiring a smaller charge and exceptional containment.
The roof-mounted, 12-volt NEOS 100 unit is simple to maintain. Its monoblock construction comes pre-charged from the factory with less than 1kg of R134a refrigerant, which has a GWP of 1,430 – which is a 50 per cent lower GWP than R452a and 174 per cent lower than R404a, the two main refrigerants used in the refrigerated transport industry.
The unit's design avoids the need for assembly in the field and the use of open road compressors, which can both increase the risk of gas leakage in operation. The NEOS system also features an ultra-slim profile, helping to improve vehicle aerodynamics and thus range of use.
"Using a standalone power source for the NEOS units provides up to seven hours of cooling power – depending on the use and application of the vehicle – and a range of around 110 miles," continues Skelly. "If we were relying on the vehicle batteries to drive both the van and the fridge, the range plummets to just 60 miles – which wouldn't be sufficient for many applications.
"We want to be at the forefront of more eco-aware refrigerated transport," Skelly said. "This is just one of a number of steps we're taking to position Petit Forestier as early adopters of realistic alternatives to fossil fuels that will help tackle the toxic emissions in our cities. Carrier Transicold and Perpetual's support in making this project a reality has been tremendous. They understand the challenges and want to help us make a real impact.
