The emission-free box body semi-trailer is the ideal sustainable solution for temperature-controlled transport
Schmitz Cargobull has officially launched its all-electric box body semi-trailer – the S.KOe COOL – in the UK & Ireland. Europe’s leading trailer manufacturer has developed the reefer semi-trailer with e-axle generator to help operators meet increasingly strict emissions regulations.
The S.KOe COOL is equipped with the fully electric S.CU ep85 cooling unit with integrated power electronics, a battery system and an electric generator axle, enabling 100 per cent emissions-free operation. The electrified semi-trailer is also extremely quiet, ideal for early-morning and late-evening deliveries in urban areas.
Colin Maher, Managing Director Schmitz Cargobull UK & Ireland, says: “The S.KOe COOL is the perfect choice for businesses who are leading the charge towards a cleaner and greener transport sector. We are delighted to be able to introduce the fully electric semi-trailer across the UK & Ireland, providing our customers with a truly sustainable solution for their temperature-controlled operations.”
The S.KOe COOL was introduced to members of the press and hundreds of customers at an event held at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham, alongside other Schmitz Cargobull products ideally suited to the retail sector, including its M.KO refrigerated truck body and the S.KO CITY box body semi-trailer.
Already in operation for more than 50 customers across Europe, last year the S.KOe COOL achieved overall vehicle type approval by the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrtbundesamt) after meeting all the relevant statutory safety, environmental and production requirements of the EU – making Schmitz Cargobull the first manufacturer to gain type approval for a fully-electric refrigerated semi-trailer with an e-axle.
Its electrically operated S.CU ep85 cooling unit is designed to cool and heat freight without generating any emissions, offering a cooling output of up to 15,800 W and a heating output of 10,500 W. Batteries on the landing gear replace the diesel tank and also offer customers the chance to install an extra pallet cage with space for 36 pallets. The payload of the fully electric reefer box body with a battery and electric axle is around the same as that of a refrigerated semi-trailer with a diesel unit. The additional weight of the battery is almost completely balanced out by the removal of the generator.
The electrified Schmitz Cargobull trailer axle recuperates energy during braking, among other processes, extending the cooling unit’s operating time or reducing the recharging time of the battery via the power grid. This also reduces waiting times at distribution centres. An intelligent battery charging management function ensures that the battery’s charge level remains as high as possible to provide greater reliability when the semi-trailer is stationary, such as in traffic jams.
Thanks to three pre-defined modes (ECO, STANDARD and SAFE), the semi-trailer can be optimised according to the customer’s usage conditions and objectives. ECO mode ensures maximum energy and cost efficiency during refrigerated transport. STANDARD mode delivers cost-efficient protection against cargo spoilage, while SAFE mode provides maximum protection against spoilage.
The modes can be selected via the display and keypad on the transport cooling unit or via the Schmitz Cargobull TrailerConnect® telematics portal and app.
The generator performance of the electrified axle is precisely matched to the requirements of the cooling unit. It is fully integrated into the Schmitz Cargobull telematics set-up, enabling the respective system status such as the battery charge level, remaining range and charging time, to be monitored via the TrailerConnect® portal.
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Editor’s notes:
About Schmitz Cargobull
Schmitz Cargobull is the leading manufacturer of semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight, general cargo and bulk goods in Europe and a pioneer in digital solutions for trailer services and improved connectivity. The company also manufactures transport refrigeration machines for refrigerated semi-trailers for temperature-controlled freight transport. With a comprehensive range of services from financing, spare parts supply, service contracts and telematics solutions to used vehicle trading, Schmitz Cargobull supports its customers in optimising their total cost of ownership (TCO) and digital transformation.
Schmitz Cargobull was founded in 1892 in Münsterland, Germany. The family-run company produces around 60,000 vehicles per year with over 6,000 employees and generated a turnover of around 2.6 billion euros in the 2022/23 financial year. The international production network currently comprises ten plants in Germany, Lithuania, Spain, England, Turkey, Slovakia and Australia.
Visit Schmitz Cargobull UK’s dedicated online press room at https://gk.news/schmitzcargobull
Press Contact UK:
Dan Jones or Mark Bisson
Garnett Keeler PR | +44 (0)20 8647 4467
Email: dan.jones@garnettkeeler.com or mark.bisson@garnettkeeler.com
The Schmitz Cargobull press team:
Anna Stuhlmeier +49 2558 81-1340 I anna.stuhlmeier@cargobull.com
Andrea Beckonert +49 2558 81-1321 I andrea.beckonert@cargobull.com
Silke Hesener: +49 2558 81-1501 I silke.hesener@cargobull.com
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