Florida fleet to test ‘eco-friendly’ reefer trailers
Ecolution Power Company, which specializes in sustainable energy technologies, and Avalon Wheeler Freight Services (AWFS), a Florida-based transportation company, are working together to develop a fleet of “eco-friendly” refrigerated trailers.
Through their agreement, AWFS will be the first customer to use Ecolution’s reefer prototype, which utilizes recycled kinetic energy to recharge its batteries while in motion and power the trailers’ transport refrigeration unit (TRU). AWFS’s goal is to retrofit its fleet of 40 reefer trailers with Ecolution’s Module Active Response System (MARS) technology, the brainchild of Johnny Then-Gautier, Ecolution co-founder and CTO.
“Joining forces with Ecolution perfectly aligns with AWFS’s commitment to operate a fleet that prioritizes environmental sustainability,” Sandy Perez, AWFS owner, president, and CEO, said in a news release. “We eagerly anticipate launching this pilot initiative with Ecolution, paving the way for widespread adoption across our refrigerated vehicles.”
The move underscores AWFS’s dedication to advancing “cutting-edge green energy technologies,” the company said. Testing for the venture, which marks “a significant step in establishing an affordable, clean, and sustainable energy alternative for the freight sector,” is expected to being in early 2024, Ecolution reported.
“Ecolution’s MARS technology reduces the need for reefer trailers to rely on diesel fuel generators to power refrigeration,” Ecolution CEO Johanne Medina Then said. “By harnessing and storing kinetic energy, we are transforming the landscape of refrigerated transportation. This offers significant cost benefits to freight companies like AWFS and promotes cost savings on fuel, while creating a more sustainable fleet.
“The MARS system can also heat and cool the tractor’s cabin, saving an estimated gallon of diesel fuel consumed by the truck each day to control cabin temperature. This savings amounts to roughly $1,000 saved per month.”
