Electrified fleets are coming but important questions need to be asked to ensure charging needs are met – along the highways, at service centers and beyond, or transport refrigerated operators will meet challenges.

 -  Image Credit: Adobe Stock Photo

Image Credit: Adobe Stock Photo

Now is the time. While the transport industry is forging ahead with transformations to meet sustainability goals and regulatory requirements, it is imperative for both original equipment manufacturers and fleets to get involved with infrastructure discussions. This includes thinking through the charging requirements at both the service shop level and the larger needs of moving refrigerated goods within the quickly emerging electrification focused corridors.

With widespread commitment to clean air and the development of zero emission transportation, the future is bright – but only if we are prepared on the other side. As an active member of industry organizations such as the American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Technology Maintenance Council (TMC), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and more, Thermo King is offering its voice where and when possible. This timing is vital because we have observed that transport refrigeration needs are being left out of important conversations. This is particularly true where the companies jumping in to invest in charging stations along our highways may not have the input required to realize that while electric tractors are charging, refrigerated containers and trailers will be running out of energy or running on backup diesel power. Addressing the charging needs of both dry freight and refrigerated commercial trucks and tractors is crucial to the success of transport electrification, but the infrastructure also needs to be in place for shore power and charging of battery-electric reefers and auxiliary power units (APUs) that are being developed at an equally fast pace.

Infrastructure discussion

Industry trade shows are one popular forum for these important discussions. At the recent TMC Annual Meeting and Transportation Technology Exhibition, the S.11 Sustainability and Environmental Technology Study Group task force meeting was full of more than 200 people representing fleets, service providers and members there to engage in a discussion around infrastructure.

These conversations are evidence that fleets are looking for solutions to adequately support their internal readiness as well as understand service work and end customer requirements to ensure a streamlined transition.

Electrified ready service centers

At Thermo King, we are working closely with our dealers to review the requirements needed to charge not only electric vehicles and TRU trailer power systems but also power for electric TRUs as well. We created an Electrification Readiness Task Force made up of dealer and Thermo King corporate representatives to ensure we have an ‘electrified ready’ dealer network and customer base. This has resulted in feedback on the importance of charging system options for our service centers as there is no one-size-fits-all solution or investment. Some dealers may have adequate electrical services; some may need a larger investment to prepare for the transition. Either way, understanding the minimum requirements is essential.

Portability is an advantage that emerged, particularly with those servicing mid- to large-size electric commercial vehicles and refrigeration units. Through our dealer taskforce, research, collaboration and real-world use at a dealership, we’ve identified a couple charging systems that provide good options and flexibility for shops.

The first system is a Level 2 AC EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment that can work for running and charging, depending on the vehicle onboard charger. This would fit smaller commercial vehicles with properly size on-board chargers running transport refrigeration units like Thermo King’s e200 full-electric unit, which is part of our growing evolve™ Electric Portfolio. In other words, vehicles that can easily pull into shops due to their size and charge at a fixed charging station.

The other system is a Level 3 / DC charger which is preferred for higher performing ‘opportunity charging’ on bigger trucks (Class 5-7) with larger TRUs such as our evolve e1000 full-electric unit. Adding portability to DC charging is ideal for busy shops that need to charge vehicles quickly without having to make space inside for charging. This portable DC charger can provide roughly double the power as the largest Level 2 AC EVSE and more than enough to run any TRU and charge the system batteries at the same time. It fits the demands for service shop requirements that don’t need high-rate chargers and can be implemented quickly without the wait times or high price of permanently installed chargers. Our dealers like this option as it provides flexibility. Technicians can service electric trucks in multiple bays but move the charger around to available outlets.

Planting the transport refrigeration seed for charging depots

Adoption of electrification will vary by region, with some areas like California happening faster due to aggressive regulation. However, we are seeing a faster pace of small vehicle transition throughout the country, and we need to be prepared for large vehicle and refrigerated trailer adoption soon.

The top freight corridors are being targeted by both public and private firms to establish strategic charging hubs to service growing electrified fleets. The planning around these hubs has been centered around trucks but as an industry, we need to offer input related to refrigerated trailers, marine containers, drayage, and other refrigerated transport equipment so that infrastructure plans accommodate the energy needed -- including separate electrical connections.

Bottom line: electrification of fleets is coming fast, and transport refrigeration needs to have a voice in charging infrastructure planning to ensure customers’ needs will be met.