Refrigerated transport, Brakes (a Sysco company) tests Frigoblock electric systems in the UK
Brakes started deliveries with two temperature-controlled electric 19-tonne Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) featuring Frigoblock EK25 and FK2 refrigeration units. The Electra truck with EK25 unit has been serving customers in the Midlands since late 2022, while the electric DAF LF truck featuring the Frigoblock FK2 unit started operations from Brake’s Reading depot near London in January 2023.
Brakes, a Sysco company specializing in food service, has been testing all-electric refrigerated transport solutions, aiming at drastically reduce emissions. Brakes started deliveries with two temperature-controlled electric 19-tonne Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) featuring Frigoblock EK25 and FK2 refrigeration units. The Electra truck with EK25 unit has been serving customers in the Midlands since late 2022, while the electric DAF LF truck featuring the Frigoblock FK2 unit started operations from Brake’s Reading depot near London in January 2023.
It has been essential for Brakes’ primary fleet and its multi-drop operation that the refrigeration units maintain the cold chain working in conjunction with the vehicle and have zero direct exhaust emissions. The Frigoblock EK25 has proven itself to be able to meet these challenges. Coupled with the inverter technology, the unit provides maximum efficiency and minimal impact to the vehicle’s fuel or power consumption. These capabilities made the Frigoblock EK25 as the primary refrigeration technology Brakes considered for their new BEVs.
ZE refrigerated transport, statements from Sysco and Thermo King
“Our vehicles in the UK cover almost 60 million miles a year making our fleet’s transformation to zero-emissions a central element in achieving our company’s ambitious decarbonisation targets and helping our customers with theirs,” said Paul Vernon, head of fleet for Sysco GB. “Frigoblock and Thermo King have been our partners for years and we counted on their expertise in finding the right electric transport refrigeration for our new zero-emission vehicles.”
“It is uplifting to enable our customers like Brakes to lead the way in decarbonising, electrifying and minimising the environmental impact of transport and delivery operations,” added Jon Jerrard-Dinn, area sales manager at Thermo King and Frigoblock. ”The technology exists today, and we are working hard to help the industry recognise the benefits and ease of electrifying their refrigerated vehicles to move goods in the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way. We’re excited that together with Brakes and Sysco we can demonstrate this innovation in real life.”
