XL Fleet, a provider of vehicle electrification solutions, has announced a development and supply agreement with eNow, a provider of solar- and battery-powered systems for fully electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs) for Class 8 commercial trailers.

Under the agreement, XL Fleetwill supply battery and power electronics systems for the first 1,000 units of eNow’s new electrified refrigerated trailer solutions.

XL Fleet invested $3 million in convertible notes in eNow. Additionally, XL Fleet stated it has the right to acquire eNow at a pre-determined valuation.

Design and development

The two companies will be collaborating on the design and development of the system that will power eTRUs as a replacement for conventional diesel-powered generators. The company stated that eTRUs deliver a lower total cost of ownership and are more environmentally friendly than diesel-powered units. Both companies expect to deliver initial eTRUs beginning in the first half of 2022 to customers in industries including food, retail, manufacturing, and distribution.

Via the partnership, XL Fleet is developing the high-capacity integrated lithium-ion battery and power electronics technology that will be installed underfloor on a Class 8 trailer, providing approximately 12 hours or more of run time between charges. ENow will integrate this system into its architecture, including solar panels mounted on the roof of the trailer to maintain the battery charge and extend operation.

In addition, currently available 480V 3 phase shore power will be used for charging of the batteries and powering of the eTRU when idle or during loading and unloading of the trailer. The system will be equipped with a thermal management system to enable year-round operation across North America.

The company noted that its XL Grid division will support customers that require new charging or expanded charging infrastructure or energy solutions.

According to XL Fleet, it is investing in eNow to accelerate and build on XL Fleet’s goal of expanding into the Class 8 trailer market. This move will also help provide cross-selling opportunities across its electrified powertrain, XL Grid charging infrastructure, and energy storage solutions.

XL said the partnership “builds on XL Fleet’s promise of delivering electrification-as-a-service, by giving customers the opportunity to finance or lease the refrigerated trailers and related infrastructure.

“Our partnership and associated investment is consistent with our fleet electrification strategy, and provides us with efficient access to a large market with significant growth potential, while opening new doors for additional opportunities to provide our integrated fleet electrification and XL Grid solutions to Class 8 fleets,” said Tod Hynes, founder and president of XL Fleet.

“This partnership will change the way the transportation industry thinks about energy and refrigerated transportation, as together we will offer the most advanced renewable power systems for reefer trailers, coupled with charging infrastructure, to eliminate a major source of diesel fuel consumption and emissions for fleets,” said Jeff Flath, president and CEO of eNow.