Martin Brower has become the latest company to introduce Carrier Transicold’s Vector eCool units into its operation, specifying 24 of the world’s first fully autonomous, all-electric engineless refrigerated trailer systems. Deployed as part of its relationship with a major fast-food brand, the new Vector eCool units will help to significantly reduce emissions on delivery routes in and around London, United Kingdom.
Martin Brower’s new 13.6-metre Gray & Adams trailers are supplied on contract hire by Centurion Truck Rental. The Vector eCool units are paired with the engineless version of the Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19, a powerful combination that will help the business to unlock significant sustainability benefits, reduce fuel costs and begin the move towards a diesel-free future for its temperature-controlled trailer fleet.
The Vector eCool unit combines Carrier Transicold’s E-Drive all-electric technology with a new cutting-edge energy recovery and storage system. This converts kinetic energy generated by the trailer axle and brakes into electric power, which is stored in a battery pack that powers the refrigeration unit – a loop that creates the industry’s first fully autonomous system, producing no direct carbon dioxide (CO2) or particulate emissions.
The Vector eCool is also PIEK-compliant, which combined with its emissions performance, means that the system offers the ultimate solution to tightening inner city and urban regulations, while creating a more harmonious working environment for drivers. The trailers can also be plugged into the electrical grid when parked and fully charged in two hours using a standard five pin, three-phase standby plug.
Martin Brower’s new units are all backed by Carrier Transicold’s comprehensive BluEdge fixed cost full-service maintenance package, which includes annual temperature control testing and certification, full regulatory checks and access to the company’s oneCALL 24/7 incident management service.
“Since its UK launch in 2020, the Vector eCool system has proven an attractive offering for fleets eager to futureproof their operations against tightening legislation, and we are excited that Martin Brower has added its name to that list,” said Scott Dargan, Managing Director, UK & Northern Europe, Carrier Transicold. “The Vector eCool is also the perfect match for Martin Brower’s urban delivery requirements right now, providing instant sustainability benefits for its London-based operations.”
Martin Brower is a global supply chain provider for restaurant chains worldwide. The new trailers will operate out of the company’s Hemel Hempstead distribution centre and will be on the road seven days per week, clocking up around 87,500 miles per year.
