The first all-electric Schmitz Cargobull S.KOe COOL semi-trailer has been introduced by Marine & Cargo in England, marking a significant step in sustainable logistics.
- This zero-emission trailer supports STI (UK) contracts, transporting goods to McDonald’s centres, evidencing early positive outcomes.
- Andrew Marshall, MD of Marine & Cargo, reports significant diesel savings and easier technology usage.
- Schmitz Cargobull’s innovation aligns with stricter emissions regulations and utilises advanced, energy-recuperating electric axles.
- Three operational modes ensure adaptability, enhancing efficiency through the Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect system.
Marine & Cargo, a family-run business with over three decades of experience in logistics, has commenced the operation of the first all-electric Schmitz Cargobull S.KOe COOL semi-trailer in England. This innovative, zero-emission trailer plays a crucial role in fulfilling the company’s contract with STI (UK), efficiently delivering temperature-controlled goods to McDonald’s distribution centres across the United Kingdom.
The company’s managing director, Andrew Marshall, highlighted the immediate benefits of this technology, stating, “We’ve had the S.KOe COOL on the road for a few weeks now and the early signs are really positive. The technology is easy to use, and it will offer our business and our customers huge sustainability benefits in the long run.” He underscored the substantial reduction in diesel usage, noting, “We are taking approximately 200 litres of diesel a week out of our operation.” Such savings are achieved through the trailer’s capability to maintain precise temperatures without relying on traditional fuel.
The Schmitz Cargobull S.KOe COOL was officially launched into the UK and Ireland market earlier in the year. The trailer is designed to assist operators in meeting increasingly stringent emissions regulations, featuring a fully electric S.CU ep85 cooling unit. This unit incorporates integrated power electronics, a battery system, and an electric generator axle, enabling completely emission-free operation.
Paired with a Mercedes-Benz Actros Gigaspace tractor unit, which operates on a fuel-efficient 530hp Euro VI engine powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), Marine & Cargo has effectively optimised its operations amidst limited electric options for prime movers. Marshall provided insight into their strategy, “Our vehicles are all used for tramping operations, leaving the depot on a Monday morning and coming back on a Friday. Due to the lack of charging infrastructure, there just isn’t an electric option suitable for the prime mover at this moment in time. So, we need to cut our emissions in other ways.” The electric trailer’s energy regeneration through the axle marks significant progress towards sustainable energy utilisation.
The electrified trailer axle extends the cooling unit’s operating time by recuperating energy during braking, among other processes. This not only reduces the recharging time needed via the power grid but also cuts down on waiting times at distribution centres. The system’s adaptability is further enhanced by three pre-defined operational modes: eco, standard, and safe. These modes are selected based on the customer’s specific transport needs through the display and keypad or the Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect telematics portal and app.
The advent of Schmitz Cargobull’s electric trailer epitomises a forward-thinking approach to reducing emissions in the logistics industry.
