What Is an Electric Reefer? [Benefits]

Success in the cold storage and transportation industry is challenging.

One reason why this industry is so challenging is because of the unpredictable fuel prices. The higher is the fuel prices, the higher are the operating costs of the reefer trailer business.

In this case, electric reefers come as an alternative to the reefers powered by fuel.

Ask yourself: why do you use expensive fuel to power the refrigerated unit while the truck is stationary?

eTRUs offer a hybrid-electric alternative to traditional diesel-powered refrigeration transport units.

Today, I'll explain what electric reefers are and how do they work.

What is an Electric Reefer (eTRU)

An eTRU is different from what is a reefer trailer.

eTRU is an acronym that refers to electric reefers, which stands for Electric Transport Refrigeration Unit.

An electric reefer uses an independent battery charged separately (all-in reefers) or it uses a hybrid system (diesel fuel and electric).

eTRU is an alternative to the conventional diesel-powered TRU's where the eTRU's system compressor is driven by an electric motor.

As long as the trailer is on standby for pre-cooling, loading, unloading, staging, or long-term storage, an electric reefer unit performs the same job as the diesel engine does but at a lower cost.

While the reefer trailer is connected to an electric standby system, the diesel engine can be turned off. When the reefer unit is disconnected from the electric standby system and is ready to roll to the next destination, the diesel engine takes over.

Difference between TRU and eTRU

While traditional transportation refrigerated units rely on diesel fuel, electric transportation refrigerated units are a response to the TRU's inefficiencies.

To heat or cool the freight, the technology maintaining temperatures in a reefer trailer requires continuous diesel engine fuel consumption. Because of that, TRU's are required to operate for hours or even days to maintain consistent temperatures inside the trailer. This leads to an endless cycle of fuel spending for the time while the trailer is stationary.

The truth is that when it comes to standby activities, traditional diesel reefers are an inefficient and expensive technology.
Conversely, while transit, eTRU’s use diesel to power the reefer unit, but, they can switch to an electric standby system while being at a dock door or being staged in the yard.

Benefits

1. Reduce the reliance on fluctuating fuel costs

Despite the fact that they reefer trailer unit fuel is cheaper than the tractor fuel, the fuel costs eat into the company's operating budget.

With electric reefers and hybrid systems, the fuel consumption of the vehicle costs is much lower.

Considering that idling TRU diesel reefers have considerably higher costs than running eTRU electric motors.

2. Fewer stress on the driver

Electric standby systems operate the compressor, condenser, and evaporator while the engine isn’t running, and does so via an independent battery.

The first benefit is that the drivers can keep products cool without letting the engine perpetually run.

This makes a pitstop much easier for them to take without worrying about the condition of their shipment.

Plus, when they’re stationary, trucks are quieter, creating a pleasanter environment for the driver as they rest or address an issue.

Drivers also don't stress when the truck breaks down or the driver takes a breake.

3. Reduce emissions

From an environmental perspective, using less diesel also cuts down on total emissions.

Electrical reefers reduce the use of diesel and gasoline, whose emissions can be harmful to the environment.