Vertellus electrifies temperature-controlled transport with 10 new EV refrigerated trucks

The 10 new 18-tonne Renault Trucks E-Tech D Wide rigids are available through the Vertellus ev Discovery Programme, which the contract hirer describes as the UK’s first BEV ’equipment-as-a-service’ solution.

“We are on a mission to de-risk EV trials,” said Ian Seager, Vertellus Sales and Business Director. He added that the programme gives operators “the opportunity to trial a zero-emission vehicle affordably, at a fraction of the cost of purchasing an electric vehicle.”

Through the EV Discovery Programme, the new trucks are available nationwide on a three-month term, delivered with DC Charger installed at the vehicle’s operating base, alongside maintenance and support.

“Our EV Discovery programme enables businesses to understand how electric vehicles can work in their fleet and plan their move to a sustainable and greener fleet,” added Seager.

The new trucks are mounted with engineless Carrier Transicold Iceland 11 Multi-Temperature (MT) systems which achieve over 95% efficiency when converting energy from the electric driveline to power the refrigeration unit.

Scott Dargan, Managing Director UK & Northern Europe at Carrier Transicold, said: ”The integration of our Iceland 11 MT and Power Box systems into Vertellus’ new electric fleet represents a significant milestone in sustainable logistics. Our cutting-edge all electric technology ensures maximum efficiency and reliability, coupled with a low weight, low noise PIEK certified temperature-controlled solution.”

The vehicles are also equipped with 1.5 tonne Dhollandia tail lifts and temperature-controlled Slipstream bodies by Solomon Commercials.

Colin Carter, Sales Manager at Solomon Commercials added: “EVs will ultimately be a staple addition to any fleet, and we’ve developed several different specifications of bodywork to accommodate a broad marketplace. It’s a project that we’re proud to have been involved with.”