NACFE’s Refrigeration Report Discusses Challenges and Opportunities

From Executive Director Mike Roeth

We recently released our first ever report on transport refrigeration units (TRUs). Did you know that 15% of the straight trucks and trailers built are refrigerated and use a TRU? Today most TRUs are diesel-powered but there is a move to eliminate emissions from TRUs by replacing the diesel-fired engines driving the compressors with an electric motor.

eTRUs, as they are called, are powered either by the traction battery when installed on an electric straight truck chassis, or by dedicated batteries when installed on a trailer. eTRUs offer several benefits including fuel cost savings, noise reduction and maintenance savings. But they are not without their challenges — both operational and cost.

Regulations and a heightened interest in sustainability are the driving forces behind the current interest in eTRUs. Many forms of eTRUs are available or under development to respond to these expectations and requirements. These include all-electric units, some with significant battery storage; systems that accept plug-in shore power as a source; and hybrid units that run primarily on electricity but have diesel or other powertrains to support long run times.

But it is important to remember that we are just in the beginning stages of development of zero-emissions temperature control in trucking. NACFE will continue to watch developments in the transport refrigeration space and issue report updates or new reports as the situation warrants.

This report provides basic information about TRUs and eTRUs and identifies and discusses key challenges and opportunities facing the trucking industry and its support systems as the CARB eTRU rules come into effect, and as the industry begins to transition away from fossil-fuel powered refrigeration units. And it is a good starting point for fleets looking to reduce emissions in their reefer operations.

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