Joint initiative between Tesco and Marshall Fleet Solutions puts 100% solar powered refrigerated units on the road
In a joint initiative, Tesco and Marshall Fleet Solutions are currently working on a trial of 100% solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Tesco refrigerated trailer fleet as part of Tesco’s long-term commitment to sustainability and reduced carbon footprint targets within its business operations.
The first 100% solar powered trailers fitted with the Titan system from Marshall are now on the road and servicing Tesco distribution centres across the country. Titan uses power produced from lightweight, high powered solar panels and stores the electrical energy in long life lightweight lithium batteries to provide power to the refrigeration unit.
“We’ve got 4,200 trailers in our distribution fleet transporting fresh goods such as fruit, vegetables, ready meals and sandwiches,” says Fleet Engineering Manager Cliff Smith. “Around 3,000 of those are refrigerated and with a goal to bring carbon emissions to net zero by 2035 and the imminent removal of red diesel entitlements, we’ve had to look at the way our food gets to stores and customers.”
“As a business we have looked at various options and through our long-standing relationship with Marshall Fleet Solutions we decided to trial the use of the Titan system on our fleet. So far we are finding that there is no detriment to operational performance, 100% saving on diesel costs and a good ROI.
Available exclusively from Marshall Fleet Solutions, the Titan system’s independent and autonomous design is capable of providing 100% free power to all makes of on-board refrigeration unit, tail lifts and other vehicle mounted electrically powered applications on all vehicles sizes from LCVs, small trucks, to HCVs, both single temp and multi-temp. Available for both new vehicles as well as for retrofitting to existing vehicles, Titan has the ability to convert fleets to reach zero carbon goals overnight.
According to MFS Managing Director, Mark Howell, “With a significant trailer fleet, the successful use of solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Tesco distribution operation cannot be underestimated, in terms of its significantly positive environmental impact. Both Tesco and MFS share similar sustainability and carbon reduction plans. As a result of MFS’s long association with Tesco as approved suppliers of Thermo King transport refrigeration systems, this initiative builds on the strength of this relationship, whilst helping to deliver on Tesco’s global sustainability goals.”
Further information about the TITAN system from Marshall Fleet Solutions can be obtained by contacting the MFS Renewables team on renewables@marshallfleet.co.uk or by viewing the company’s dedicated Marshall Renewables page