NEW YORK, NY – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a state-of-the-art pollution-slashing hybrid diesel electric trailer refrigeration unit that allows refrigerated trucks and trailers to remain icy cold while switching from diesel power to electric power during loading and unloading, reducing diesel emissions to zero. The technology used in the Carrier Transicold Vector 1800 MT multi-temperature trailer refrigeration system also puts a lid on fuel costs and noise.

Shurepower LLC, Carrier Transicold, Maines Paper and Food Service, Inc., New West Technologies, and Great Dane Trailers used money provided by EPA and NYSERDA to help fund the first-of-its-kind demonstration pilot project. The original pilot project, located in a Maines Paper & Food Service, Inc. distribution facility in Conklin, N.Y., involved setting up and operating electrified loading docks and parking spaces for commercial heavy-duty diesel trucks and refrigerated trailers to power the refrigeration. The project was part of a nationwide effort to reduce pollution from truck fleets known as EPA’s SmartWay Transport Partnership.

The demonstration project featured eTRU, also known as hybrid diesel electric trailer refrigeration unit. ETRU technology enables an electric powered source of energy from a loading dock or parking space to keep the truck’s load or trailer compartments at a specific temperature without having to run the engine. The technology works by installing an electric device on a loading dock or parking space and equipping a diesel truck or refrigerated trailer with special components that connect the diesel engine to the electric power grid. Once plugged in, the diesel engine can be totally shut down producing zero diesel emissions.

The Carrier Transicold Vector 1800 MT system combines a diesel engine with an electrical generator to reduce air pollution and sound levels, eliminate many components and maintenance items, and increase reliability and performance.

The SmartWay Transport Partnership is a program developed by EPA and the freight industry to reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution, and to promote cleaner, more efficient ground freight transportation. The Partnership provides companies with technical assistance, tools for evaluating opportunities, and help locating financing to purchase these technologies.