The first Fairfax ZE (zero-emissions) trailer with all-electric eCool refrigeration system by Carrier, powered by an SAF-Holland electric axle, is performing above expectations in linehaul and metro environments in operation with Foodstuffs.

“Initially, we didn’t think the trailer was going to be for metro-type deliveries, but it’s been put in that environment and is performing well,” says Fairfax customer experience manager Craig Van der Nagel. “We’re absolutely stoked with the feedback from Foodstuffs.”

Currently based in Wellington and trailing behind a Foodstuffs company-owned tractor unit, it completes a morning metro run followed by a longer return trip to Palmerston North. Having operated for 760 chiller hours and travelled 80,000km on EROAD, the ZE unit is proving itself, with statistics showing it has saved about 6000kg of CO2 emissions and what would have been 2300L of diesel compared with a traditional unit.

“It’s small steps, but it is definitely making an impact within our targets,” says Blair Inglis, fleet safety manager at Foodstuffs. “We have had no issues at all. We’ve completed a couple of axle services to see how that’s performing, and it’s been great. We’ve been told we only need to do an annual fridge service, so that’s a huge cost saving.”

Driver comfort with regard to noise pollution has been highlighted, for both the driver and the environment. “It’s quite different listening to the fridge itself because when you’re standing in front of a standard diesel fridge, it’s loud. This one is just like a giant household fridge. You can hear it running because the unit needs fans and that sort of stuff, but it’s a completely different sound, just a hum. The driver loves how quiet it is,” says Craig.

Within the community, early morning chilled/frozen deliveries can be carried out close to residential areas with minimal disturbance to the public.

It’s clear the ZE trailer is well suited to New Zealand. With up to six hours standby on the battery, it caters for unforseen downtime.

Once the truck is travelling more than 20km/h, the battery charges constantly and will maintain a 100% charge while on the move. When stopped with the fridge running, the battery will diminish. However, the charge is replaced rapidly once driving again.

Shaiden Lambert of Carrier provides an example from the unit’s performance stats. “After it’s been parked to unload, the battery was at 88%, then within 15 minutes of driving, it was back to 100%, where it stays. It does need to be plugged in and charged for a continuous six-hour charge at least once every seven to 10 days, just to equalise those battery cells.”

Blair’s overall summary on Foodstuffs’ acquisition of the ZE trailer is it will be the new standard. “As far as our company fleet goes, 100% this is our standard. There’s a little bit of extra cost putting it on the road, but the payback will happen within a few years, with less servicing and savings on fuel. The drivers love it when they’re towing it; it’s not blaring in their ears.”

He says the aftersales support from every company involved has been amazing. With this sort of performance and the Fairfax ZE trailer having recently been displayed at Fieldays, a lot more will surely be seen on our roads.