Penske Pairs Electric Tractor, Zero-Emission Refrigerated Trailer

Penske Logistics has paired a battery-electric tractor with a zero-emissions trailer, hauling refrigerated freight for a California customer.

According to ConMet eMobility, Penske Logistics is he first third-party logistics provider to successfully pair an nMotion TR 160-45 equipped reefer trailer with a Freightliner eCascadia electric tractor.

The pairing enables zero-emission refrigerated transport by combining an all-electric tractor with a reefer trailer cooled by an electric standby trailer refrigeration unit that is powered by energy generated from in-wheel electric motors. Leveraging this in-wheel PreSet Plus eHub technology, the nMotion system generates power for the reefer whenever the vehicle is in motion to keep cargo cold during transport.

Penske Logistics first deployed this advanced solution on a quick service retail delivery route in Southern California in February. Covering over 160 miles each trip with eight delivery stops, the reefer has been able to consistently achieve 100% electric TRU run time.

Since first deployed, the fleet has completed more than 125 trips, covering over 20,000 miles and 2,500 TRU run hours, while maintaining cold cargo temperature and on-time deliveries.

Based on initial route performance, this reefer configuration could reduce annual TRU fuel consumption and decrease direct CO2 emissions from the TRU by more than 40,000 pounds per year, ConMet said.

“The pilot has been performing well, and our customer is excited about conducting direct store zero-emissions tailpipe deliveries on a daily basis,” said Jeff Jackson, executive vice president, dedicated contract carriage, Penske Logistics.

ConMet eMobility said it will be expanding its trailer delivery schedule with other fleets throughout the year.