Marubeni Corporation and Mizuho Leasing Company have begun delivery of zero-emission refrigerated trailers designed and manufactured by Advanced Energy Machines (AEM) in the United States to customers in December last year through PLM Fleet, a U.S.-based refrigerated trailer leasing and rental business.

PLM has been educating refrigerated fleet operators on the viability of zero-emission refrigerated trailers, holding joint exhibitions and lectures with AEM, since 2019. In May 2020, PLM signed an agreement with AEM and started sales activities in the U.S. market. PLM has since signed agreements with major customers and began delivery of zero-emission refrigerated trailers in 2020. Interest and demand for the zero-emission technology is steadily increasing as the technology continues to prove itself as a viable alternative to diesel.

In the United States, hybridization and electrification are accelerating in not only passenger cars and trucks, but also refrigerated trailers equipped with transport refrigeration units traditionally powered by diesel engines. Companies have begun to transition fleet equipment to green alternatives leveraging lease flexibility as an important tool in the change. The state of California is leading the way with guidance aimed at accelerating the reduction of harmful pollutants by providing support for zero-emission vehicles and equipment as well as infrastructure and distributed energy solutions.

Compared to diesel powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs), AEM zero-emission technology eliminates many tons of carbon dioxide annually while also eliminating harmful nitrogen oxides. In addition to helping the environment, the AEM TRUs use low-voltage, safe charging to greatly reduce the risk of electric shock to equipment users. Available across all trailer sizes and configurations, including multiple temperature applications, the AEM TRUs use battery technology along with solar and momentum generation to extend useful routes before recharging.