TIP Group and Sunswap Make Sustainable Refrigeration Accessible to UK Fleet Operators

More than a year on from an initial UK trial of the Endurance solar and battery-powered transport refrigeration unit (TRU), TIP Group, leading provider of trailer and truck hire services, continues to partner with the unit's manufacturer, Sunswap, in offering the technology to transport operators across the country.

Several long-term hire arrangements with cold chain operators for reefer trailers equipped with the TRU are now in place, giving operators access to the latest in sustainable refrigeration technology without the need for considerable capital outlay.

Since incorporating Sunswap's technology into its refrigerated fleet, TIP has offered its demo trailer on a trial basis to operators considering the adoption of more sustainable refrigeration technology. The programme enables operators to experience the technology within their everyday fleet operation over a considerable trial period, giving them the opportunity to fully appreciate the benefits it offers. As part of the programme, operators receive reports on unit performance, enabling them to assess the impact on their operation before making any long-term commitment.

Throughout the last year, TIP has recorded a 100% uptime, with no unplanned maintenance, failures or periods where the refrigeration system was out of service. In trialling the unit, operators have saved on diesel and cut their direct refrigeration emissions to zero.

Among the standout runs recorded during the year was a journey between Glasgow and Norwich, covering over 1,000 kilometres. The frozen operation lasted 35 hours at -18°C setpoint, with a single planned depot stop where the unit was charged. The Endurance unit completed the return journey with 63% battery remaining.

A number of operators who trialled an e-reefer equipped with an Endurance TRU have since signed long-term operating leases with TIP, with two committing to the technology across their entire refrigerated operation - a decision that reflects the confidence operators develop when they see the unit perform within their own fleet.

"Partnering with Sunswap reinforces our commitment to helping our customers transition to lower and zero-emission transport solutions with confidence. The success of these trials has demonstrated that sustainable refrigeration technology can deliver the reliability, performance and operational capability that cold chain operators need."

Mark Carlin, Fleet & Engineering Director, TIP

"We're now running Endurance across fleets in three continents and with global fleet operators. With Endurance offering up to 81% reduction in operating costs, operators can focus on the benefits of switching away from diesel and saving on fuel and maintenance costs. We are excited to see many operators choosing and leasing the Sunswap technology."

Michael Lowe, CEO, Sunswap

TIP's leasing model removes the barrier that can slow the adoption of sustainable refrigeration technology. Operators access the technology on a monthly cost basis, with maintenance and support included, without committing the capital required for an outright purchase. The TIP-Sunswap partnership makes it straightforward for operators to access the latest in sustainable refrigeration technology - initially via a trial, and ultimately through a long-term lease.

Endurance is designed and manufactured in Leatherhead, Surrey. Developed as a fully integrated electric refrigeration system from the ground up, it combines battery, solar, software, and service into a single platform. It generates 1,000 real-time data points, giving operators visibility over temperature compliance, energy use and asset performance that diesel units cannot match.

About TIP

TIP is a market leader in providing transportation and logistics customers with rental, leasing and value-added equipment services, keeping customer freight moving all over Europe. Established in 1968, TIP is one of the most trusted and respected names in the industry. Visit www.tip-group.com to learn more.

About Sunswap

Sunswap is a British manufacturer of electric transport refrigeration units, based in Leatherhead, Surrey. Its Endurance unit is built electric from the ground up - hardware, software, and service designed as a single system. Endurance runs across the fleets of Tesco, Ocado, Birds Eye, DFDS, Noble Foods, and others. Sunswap's units operate in the UK, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Chile and Australia.