Electric innovation: Zero-emissions technology pacing regulations on transport refrigeration
Excitement is in the air within the transportation industry. From new zero-emission technology to the development of charging infrastructure, the pace of innovation within the industry is accelerating quickly as the push toward electrification and sustainable fleets becomes a priority for manufacturers, customers, and environmental advocates.
Electrification is happening in every product segment. Its success is being documented through testing partnerships that help drive future customer-centric innovation. Collaboration between manufacturers and customers is key to developing end products that perform reliably and deliver the accurate temperature control expected—and required—for sensitive food products and pharmaceuticals. Another mutual benefit of partnerships is helping companies meet their sustainability goals and regulatory requirements ahead of schedule.
Regulations shaping the electrification landscape
The regulations and guidelines set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) significantly impact how and when fleets begin to transition to zero-emission technology. Small trucks and delivery vans frequently used in the fast-growing home-delivery market, as well as by middle and last-mile delivery customers, have all-electric refrigeration options with R452 lower GWP refrigerant introduced last year. And now, large straight trucks have choices available, including products like the recently launched Thermo King e1000 all-electric reefer unit.
In addition, fleets are being rewarded for adopting electrified solutions to accelerate the push toward zero-emission targets, with California continuing to lead the way.
Recently, CARB announced its Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE). The streamlined $125 million voucher incentive project offers point-of-sale discounts to encourage California off-road equipment users to purchase or lease currently commercialized zero-emission off-road equipment, helping to offset the higher cost of zero-emission technology.
CORE voucher amounts are based on the incremental cost difference between traditional equipment and new zero-emission alternatives. Additional funding is available for charging infrastructure, equipment deployed in pollution overburdened communities (DACs), and equipment purchased by small businesses. This incentive project helps customers finance their journey to achieve zero emissions by Dec. 31, 2029.
Invest in new technology
Electrified options will continue to expand, and the technology of the future is here now. The incentives, grants, and opportunities available to ensure an easier transition are already available—and constantly changing.
Here are four key things fleets can do now as they prepare to invest in new technology:
- Evaluate current operations for asset utilization, fuel consumption, and maintenance needs. Refrigerated fleets should also review dispatch scheduling and in-yard loading and staging durations.
- Adopt standards-based charging when specifying equipment.
- Determine the charging infrastructure and placement that fits their operation.
- Assemble a team that will help through the planning process. This is vital and will make implementation easier. The team can include local power utility providers, government officials, electric charging infrastructure consultants, and OEM partners, like Thermo King.
As electrification of transport refrigeration continues to progress, it will remain vital for all the key players—utilities, government, transportation companies, and OEMs—to collaborate to ensure that companies are able to meet sustainability and decarbonization goals.
