Heavy Duty Trucking Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

ENow Unveils All-Electric, Solar-Powered Refrigerated Trailer

ENow says its new, solar-powered refrigerated trailer system functions as well as a diesel reefer unit and will reduce operating costs by up to 90% thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs.

April 30, 2018
2 min to read


eNow's new, solar-based trailer refrigeration unit will displayed at the ACT Conference in Long Beach, CA, through May 3rd. Photo: eNow

ENow, a company that specializes in developing solar energy applications for the trucking industry, has unveiled a new, all-electric, solar-based refrigeration system on a 53-foot tractor-trailer. A demonstration model of the new trailer design is on display at ACT Expo 2018 (Advanced Clean Transportation) in Long Beach, California. According to details provided by the company, its new “reefer trailer” integrates a proprietary, advanced solar technology, battery storage, and patented electronic control system.

Ad Loading...

ENow last summer tested such a zero-emission transport refrigeration unit on a commercial truck in San Joaquin Valley, California. According to the company, the unit achieved emission reductions of 98% nitrous oxide, 86% carbon dioxide, and 97% particulate matter over a five-month test period, compared to traditional, diesel-powered TRUs.

Ad Loading...

Additional testing showed the eNow TRU functioned as well as a diesel reefer unit, and was projected to reduce operating costs by up to 90% thanks to lower fuel and maintenance costs, according to Tom Ditto, vice president of Challenge Dairy, a fleet that helped eNow evaluate the new system.

“This is a defining moment in clean transportation and a huge technological hurdle,” said Jeff Flath, president & CEO of eNow. “Over the last six years, we have demonstrated that our solar systems are powerful, reliable, and highly cost-effective – providing emissions-free energy for thousands of trucks across the country. With our new 100% electric reefer trailer, the food industry – with its more than 500,000 refrigerated vehicles – can realize the same economic and environmental benefits.”

Related: SAE Publishes Charging RPs for Electric Vehicles

More Fuel Smarts

Solar panels on top of a red Class 8 truck sleeper cab
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeMarch 15, 2026

Vanair Introduces Solar, Battery Power Ecosystem for Class 8 Trucks

The company’s expanded EPEQ ecosystem includes flexible solar panels, lithium batteries, hydraulic power systems, and a portable fast charger for electric trucks.

Read More →
HDT Talks Trucking thumbnail saying: NACFE's Messy Middle: Which Fuel Wins?
Fuel SmartsMarch 11, 2026

Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths for Truck Powertrains [Listen]

Listen as Mike Roeth of the North American Council for Freight Efficiency shares insights into battery-electric trucks, natural gas, biofuels, and clean diesel on this episode of HDT Talks Trucking.

Read More →
YouTube thumbnail with Mike Roeth of NACFE saying "NACFE's Messy Middle: Which Fuel Wins?"
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeMarch 11, 2026

Run on Less “Messy Middle” Data Shows Multiple Paths Forward for Truck Powertrains [Watch]

NACFE's Run on Less - Messy Middle project demonstrates the power of data in helping to guide the future of alternative fuels and powertrains for heavy-duty trucks.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mike Kucharski, vice president, JKC Trucking.
Fuel Smartsby Jack RobertsMarch 10, 2026

Trucking Executive Warns Fuel Spike from Middle East Conflict Hitting Fleets Fast

Mike Kucharski, vice president of refrigerated carrier JKC Trucking, says diesel price jumps tied to global instability are squeezing carriers already struggling with weak freight rates.

Read More →
A mechanic in a workshop leans over the open engine compartment of a large yellow vehicle, inspecting components while holding a tablet.
Sponsoredby Kristy CoffmanMarch 9, 2026

Smarter Maintenance Strategies to Keep Trucks Rolling

In today’s cost-conscious market, fleets are finding new ways to get more value from every truck on the road. See how smarter maintenance strategies can boost uptime, control costs and drive stronger long-term returns.

Read More →
Group of researchers and engineers standing next to an electric heavy-duty truck used in Purdue’s wireless charging project.
Fuel Smartsby News/Media ReleaseFebruary 3, 2026

Researchers Demonstrate Wireless Charging of Electric Heavy-Duty Truck at Highway Speeds

Purdue researchers demonstrated a high-power wireless charging system capable of delivering energy to electric heavy-duty trucks at highway speeds, advancing the concept of electrified roadways for freight transportation.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration showing diesel exhaust fluid pump sign and EPA headquarters
Equipmentby Deborah LockridgeFebruary 3, 2026

EPA Wants to Know: Are DEF De-Rates Really Needed for Diesel Emissions Compliance?

The Environmental Protection Agency is asking diesel engine makers to provide information about diesel exhaust fluid system failures as it considers changes to emissions regulations.

Read More →
SponsoredFebruary 1, 2026

6 Dashcam Tactics to Improve Safety & ROI

6 intelligent dashcam tactics to improve safety and boost ROI

Read More →
Fuel Smartsby Deborah LockridgeJanuary 29, 2026

California: Clean Truck Check Rules Still in Force for Out-of-State Trucks, Despite EPA Disapproval

The Environmental Protection Agency said California can’t enforce its Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Regulation, known as Clean Truck Check, on vehicles registered outside the state. But California said it will keep enforcing the rule.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Illustration of Department of Justice building superimposed by truck exhaust stacks
Fuel SmartsJanuary 27, 2026

Justice Department Pulls Back on Criminal Prosecution of Diesel Emissions Deletes

The Trump administration has announced it will no longer criminally prosecute “diesel delete” cases of truck owners altering emissions systems in violation of EPA regulations. What does that mean for heavy-duty fleets?

Read More →