Cool runnings
TIP Group's first electric reefer powered by solar, battery and recaptured energy has emerged via a three-party partnership
Innovation in the transport industry is often about finding smarter ways to use available resources, and the latest collaboration between TIP Group, SolarEdge e-Mobility, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH is a prime example.
Together, they have developed the Powered Trailer, an advanced electric reefer that integrates multiple renewable energy sources – battery, solar, and energy recuperation – to eliminate the need for diesel-powered refrigeration units. Global Trailer met with key figures from these companies to uncover the technology behind the Powered Trailer and its impact on fleet operations.
Recently showcased at the IAA Transportation exhibition in Hannover, the Powered Trailer marks a major milestone in the evolution of refrigerated transport. How did TIP Group, SolarEdge e-Mobility, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH combine their expertise to create a game-changing solution, what impact can it have on fleet operations, and what does this mean for the future of sustainable transport? The three companies share a vision for a more sustainable transport industry, and each partner brings specialised expertise to ensure the solution is both innovative and commercially viable.
TIP Group, a leader in transport equipment leasing and rental, is making this technology accessible to fleet operators.
“Our ambition within TIP Group is to lead the innovation change to zero-emission temperature-controlled transport with reefer trailers, with no limitations to viable solutions,” said TIP Group Vice President Sales and Marketing, Rogier Laan. “Both SolarEdge e-Mobility and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH are known for their forward-thinking and commitment to decarbonisation, making them a great match for this project.”
SolarEdge e-Mobility, a pioneer in smart energy solutions, ensures that the system maximises the use of renewable power sources.
“When introducing new technology to a traditional market, it’s crucial to minimise disruptions to customer processes,” said SolarEdge e-Mobility Senior Director Sales & Marketing & Program Management, Pavel Gilman. “To reach maximum efficiency, we need engaged customers who are willing to test and refine new technologies. TIP Group’s involvement has been instrumental in selecting the right logistics partners and use cases.”
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH contributes its advanced refrigeration expertise, optimising the cooling units for all-electric operation.
“Our cooling units are designed with highly efficient inverter technology to ensure that no energy is wasted,” said Gunnar Hilge, Head of Development at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH. “By integrating multiple power sources, we are creating a refrigeration solution that is both cost-effective and fully sustainable.”
The Powered Trailer is a breakthrough in refrigerated transport, integrating multiple renewable energy sources to deliver a fully electric cooling solution.
The solar roof plays a primary role in supplying energy, covering between 20–120 per cent of the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH cooling unit’s energy needs, depending on the customer’s usage profile, outside temperatures, and solar radiation. The energy recuperation axle complements this by capturing kinetic energy during transit – particularly during braking – and converting it into electricity to provide additional power when solar energy alone is insufficient. This energy is then stored in a high-capacity battery system, ensuring a reliable power source for the refrigeration unit. The system is designed to optimize efficiency, with different recuperation modes that allow operators to adjust energy capture based on driving conditions and battery status.
SolarEdge e-Mobility plays a crucial role in maximising the efficiency of the Powered Trailer by integrating solar energy into the system. “Our goal is to increase the share of free, green energy—solar and kinetic power—within the trailer,” said Gilman. “By using multiple energy sources, we reduce reliance on battery capacity alone, lowering costs and increasing operational hours. This truly emission-free power source enhances fleet efficiency and sustainability.”
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH provides the all-electric refrigeration unit, optimised to work seamlessly with the trailer’s energy ecosystem. “Our cooling units use highly efficient inverter technology to ensure that no energy is wasted,” said Hilge. “The trailer’s battery can be charged via the solar roof, the recuperation axle, or an external grid connection. In an ideal scenario, the trailer’s energy demand is fully met through renewable sources, making it a true zero-emission solution.”
The ability to capture, store, and reuse energy makes the Powered Trailer a revolutionary solution. By leveraging this advanced energy ecosystem, fleet operators can significantly cut fuel costs, extend operational range, and comply with the latest sustainability regulations – all without compromising performance.
Real-world performance is the ultimate test for any new technology, and the Powered Trailer is currently undergoing a pilot program with Zippel Group, a leading logistics company specialising in temperature-controlled transport. This trial is designed to validate the system’s ability to operate fully on renewable energy while maintaining efficiency and reliability in daily logistics operations.
One of the key performance indicators being monitored is the seamless operation of the e-reefer without interruptions.
“Our main KPIs for this trial are operational reliability, return on investment, and ease of use for the customer in their daily operations,” said Gilman. “We are closely tracking telematics data and maintaining continuous feedback loops with the operator to ensure we gather valuable, real-world insights.”
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH is assessing how well the system performs in terms of energy efficiency and cost savings.
“Compared to conventional diesel units, all-electric refrigeration solutions can cut operational costs by up to 50 per cent, depending on fuel and electricity prices,” a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH spokesperson said. “For fleet operators, the key to maximising return on investment is ensuring the system is utilised to its full potential. With optimal usage, ROI can be achieved in just two-to-four years, meaning that for the remainder of the trailer’s lifecycle – typically six-to-10 years – the operator enjoys significant cost savings.”
For TIP Group, this pilot serves as a crucial proof of concept.
“We aim to demonstrate that this configuration can function autonomously, ideally without relying on grid electricity,” said Laan. “This trial will provide critical insights into system performance, energy savings, and operational efficiency, helping us refine the solution for broader market adoption.”
With the pilot well underway, early feedback indicates positive performance and strong potential for long-term implementation. As data continues to be gathered, the results will inform the next steps in scaling this technology across the refrigerated transport industry.
While the Powered Trailer represents a major leap forward, widespread adoption of electric reefers still faces several challenges. From regulatory hurdles to fleet operator hesitancy, overcoming these barriers is key to accelerating the transition away from diesel-powered refrigeration.
One of the biggest obstacles is market hesitation and initial investment costs. “Many fleet operators are still cautious about transitioning to new technology due to concerns about cost and operational impact,” said Gilman. “The key to overcoming this challenge is demonstrating a clear return on investment through real-world trials and partnering with full-service equipment providers like TIP Group, which helps mitigate financial risk for customers.”
From a technological standpoint, infrastructure limitations and energy costs also play a role. “While charging infrastructure is not a major issue because the system can be recharged via any 400V socket, the high cost of electricity – especially in markets like Germany – can affect adoption rates,” a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH spokesperson said. “That’s why the Powered Trailer focuses on energy independence, utilising solar panels and an energy recuperation axle to generate power on the go.”
Regulatory challenges also present hurdles. TIP Group has encountered legislative discrepancies across different countries, particularly in the Netherlands, where the registration of energy recuperation axles has yet to be approved.
“Despite being an early adopter of sustainable transport, the Netherlands has yet to finalise legislation allowing registration of these axles, while other EU countries have already moved ahead,” said Laan. “We expect this to be resolved by Q2 2025, but in the meantime, we are working with alternative markets to push adoption forward.”
Beyond legislation, there is also a ‘fear of the unknown’ among fleet operators. TIP Group is actively addressing this by providing test units, gathering data-driven insights, and offering guidance to help customers transition confidently to electric reefer solutions.
“With the right support and evidence of performance, we believe that these barriers can be overcome, paving the way for a cleaner and more cost-effective future in refrigerated transport,” TIP said.
Despite these challenges, momentum is building. As regulatory frameworks evolve, energy costs stabilise, and industry leaders continue to invest in electrification, the Powered Trailer is positioned to become a standard solution for sustainable cold chain logistics.
As the Powered Trailer moves from pilot phase to broader adoption, the focus now shifts to scaling up the technology and ensuring fleet operators can seamlessly integrate it into their logistics operations.
“The technologies required to make a quantum leap in sustainable logistics are already available,” said Gilman. “The question is not if, but when. The pace of adoption will depend on legislation, customer acceptance, and continued proof of operational benefits.”
For TIP Group, the priority is to support customers in making the transition. “The best advice for fleet operators is to start now, the transition to all-electric solutions takes time and effort, but early adopters will gain invaluable experience and cost benefits,” said TIP.
“We are committed to guiding our customers through this shift with the right solutions and expertise.”
With further field trials, fleet integrations, and policy developments on the horizon, the Powered Trailer stands at the forefront of a new era in refrigerated transport. As more companies take steps toward full electrification, collaborations like this will continue to drive innovation. The Powered Trailer is not just a concept for the future – it is a working solution, available today, setting a new standard for sustainability in the cold chain industry.
