Sunswap Enters France - in Parntership with Chereau

Sunswap Endurance is available through Chereau – launching at Solutrans, Lyon.

Diesel-powered transport refrigeration is reaching its limits in France. Diesel operating and maintenance costs continue to climb while new Low Emission Zone regulations restrict diesel vehicles across 42 cities. Sunswap Endurance eliminates diesel in transport refrigeration and is today available in France through Chereau.

Sunswap Endurance eliminates the need for diesel in transport refrigeration through purpose-built electric engineering. Combining advanced battery storage with roof-mounted solar panels delivering across frozen, chilled and multi-temperature applications. Operators can achieve up to 81% reduction in operating costs and 35% savings in total cost of ownership

Proven technology, now available in France

The partnership makes Sunswap technology available through Chereau's established production and distribution network. As Europe's leading refrigerated vehicle manufacturer, Chereau brings nearly 75 years of engineering expertise and comprehensive aftermarket support. The collaboration will be formally launched at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon from 18-22 November, marking Sunswap's second European market expansion outside the UK.

Endurance arrives in France with extensive commercial validation across European operations. Operators including DFDS, TIP Group and major UK retailers including Tesco and Ocado. DFDS selected Endurance as "the only feasible zero-emission refrigeration option aligned to our fleet emission reduction targets," while Tesco found the system to be "the standout for performance and its unique ability to complete our complete range of delivery cycles".

Trials with French operators are now underway.

"France represents a significant market for zero-emission cold chain technology, and Chereau is the ideal partner to deliver it” said Michael Lowe, CEO, Sunswap. “French operators face the same pressures we've seen across Europe - rising diesel costs combined with the demand for zero-emissions. Our partnership with Chereau makes that possible. This is our second European market expansion, with more to follow as demand for electric refrigeration continues to grow."

“For nearly 75 years, CHEREAU has evolved to meet the changing needs of refrigerated transport requested by our customers. This collaboration with Sunswap marks an important milestone, adding a complementary zero-emission refrigeration solution to our portfolio,” said Xavier Wilkie, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Director of Sales, Marketing and Communications. “French operators are increasingly asking for alternatives that combine environmental performance, reliability and a controlled total cost of ownership. With the Sunswap Endurance system, we can offer a compact fully electric refrigeration option alongside our existing solutions.”

Following UK and Netherlands deployments of Endurance, this partnership marks the first in a series of expansions as purpose-built electric refrigeration scales to meet global demand for diesel elimination in refrigerated transport.

Launch at Solutrans 2025

The partnership will be presented at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon (18-22 November), Europe's leading commercial vehicle exhibition. Endurance will be displayed on the Chereau stand, where French operators can see the technology firsthand and discuss deployment with both Sunswap and Chereau technical teams.

About Sunswap

Sunswap is a British engineering company developing zero-emission transport refrigeration technology. Based in Surrey, UK, Sunswap offers Endurance, a purpose-built electric transport refrigeration unit that combines advanced battery storage with integrated solar power. Endurance is trusted by leading operators everyday, from Tesco, DFDS, Birds Eye and Samworth Brothers. The technology consistently demonstrates up to 81% reduction in operating costs, up to 35% savings in total cost of ownership, and the complete elimination of emissions.
For more information, visit www.sunswap.co.uk

About Chereau

Chereau is Europe's leading specialist in the design and manufacture of custom built refrigerated production of high-performance refrigerated vehicles for the transport of perishable goods, with nearly 75 years of experience. Holding 42% market share in France for insulated semi-trailers and exporting over 50% of its production, Chereau produces over 3,300 refrigerated vehicles annually. Based in Ducey, Normandy, France, the company serves the most demanding transport operators across Europe, offering manufacturing, rental, repair and comprehensive aftermarket support. Chereau sets itself apart through constant innovation and customised, sustainable refrigerated bodies for heavy goods vehicles. For more information, visit www.chereau.com

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