Thermo King has officially commenced production of its new fully electric E-500e as part of the flagship E-Series designed specifically for electric light commercial vehicles (LCV). The introduction of this model addresses the evolving needs of fleet operators engaged in urban and inner-city deliveries, seeking sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
With a focus on aligning with the European Union’s call for a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions from new trucks by 2040, Thermo King aims to provide solutions that support its customers in transitioning to greener operations. The E-500e single and multi-temperature units are the initial models in this series, with plans for the introduction of additional models in the near future.
Key Features of the E-500e:
- Energy-Efficiency: The E-500e incorporates custom-designed inverter technology, a patented power control system, and real-time communication between the unit and the vehicle to maximise cooling performance and energy efficiency. This design aims to minimise the impact on the battery and range of the electric vehicle.
- Direct Power Source: Powered directly by the vehicle’s battery, the E-500e eliminates the need for an additional battery pack or shore connection module. This allows drivers to run the refrigeration unit even while the battery electric vehicle (BEV) is Charging or stationed at a delivery stop.
- Performance Levels:Equipped with a high-speed compressor with RPM independent of the vehicle’s speed, the E-500e achieves up to 4.5kW of electric cooling capacity, offering both cooling and heating modes to cater to various application needs.
- Compact Design:Designed for easy installation on various vehicle types, the compact design of the E-500e enhances payload capacity. With half the weight of an equivalent legacy unit, it minimizss the impact on the battery-electric vehicle’s range, maximising operational flexibility and payload.
- Sustainability:The E-500e addresses challenges associated with electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) and inner-city deliveries, providing a highly efficient and sustainable solution. Thermo King’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions aligns with their 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons.
Thermo King’s foray into providing electric solutions for refrigerated transportation aligns with its broader goal of contributing to a more sustainable future in the transport industry. The E-500e is poised to play a crucial role in meeting the increasing demand for energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions in urban and inner-city delivery operations.
