In November 2025, German trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull received the European Transport Award for Sustainability 2026 from HUSS-Verlag. The company won in the ‘Cooling and Heating’ category for its S.CU d80 ePTO ready hybrid transport refrigeration unit, which supports emission-free operation when paired with electric semi-trailer tractors.
The S.CU d80 ePTO ready unit enables transport companies to transition to alternative drive systems. It can run fully emission-free using the electric power take-off (ePTO) from an electric tractor unit, while its integrated diesel generator provides backup for reliable cooling performance. According to the company, this setup offers a flexible and economical entry into decarbonised temperature-controlled logistics.
The refrigeration unit is factory-equipped for electric operation and features automatic switching between power sources. This ensures uninterrupted performance over long distances and under variable operating conditions. Schmitz Cargobull highlights this product as a step toward reducing operating costs and increasing energy efficiency in refrigerated transport.
“Our customers are faced with the task of making their transport operations more sustainable and at the same time economically viable. This requires solutions such as the S.CU d80 ePTO ready,” said Ralph Kleideiter, Chief Sales Officer at Schmitz Cargobull, during the award ceremony held in Munich on 27 November. “We are delighted that our commitment to practical and economical innovations has been recognised with the European Transport Award for Sustainability.”
The European Transport Award for Sustainability is awarded every two years by an independent panel of experts. It recognises companies in the transport and commercial vehicle sector that implement sustainable technologies and business practices. Schmitz Cargobull has previously received multiple awards, including two in 2023 for its fully electric S.KOe COOL trailer and Full Service Retread Tyres contract.
