Manfreight leads the charge

UK & European logistics provider Manfreight has taken delivery of the first Schmitz Cargobull S.KOe COOL to be put into operation in the UK.

The fully electric semi-trailer will be paired with a Volvo FM Electric, providing the forward-thinking business with a 100 per cent zero-emission solution for its temperature-controlled division.

Chris Slowey, Managing Director at Manfreight, says: “The introduction of the S.KOe COOL is an exciting milestone. Working in tandem with the Volvo FM Electric, we can now offer our customers a completely electric transport combination. It’s a major commitment and a clear sign that we are incredibly serious about our ambitious target to run an emission-free operation by 2045.”

The S.KOe COOL was officially presented at a handover event at the Belfast depot of Schmitz Cargobull’s service partner BP Commercials. The session saw representatives from Manfreight, Schmitz Cargobull, BP Commercials, Volvo Trucks, Stena Line and several key Manfreight customers gather for a presentation detailing the advantages of the all-electric semi-trailer.

Colin Maher, Managing Director Schmitz Cargobull UK & Ireland, says: “The S.KOe COOL  is the ideal solution for companies like Manfreight who are leading the charge towards a cleaner and greener transport sector. As a long-standing partner of Schmitz Cargobull, we are happy to be able to support them with a truly sustainable solution for their temperature-controlled business.”

Manfreight will use the S.KOe COOL to transport goods, including pharmaceuticals and raw food products, to its large customer base across the whole of Ireland and into mainland UK.

The emission-free semi-trailer – which is fully type approved – comes equipped with an all-electric refrigeration unit with integrated power electronics, a high-voltage battery and an axle generator. It is also extremely quiet, enabling deliveries in urban areas in the early morning hours as well as in the late evening.

The electrically powered S.CU ep85 refrigeration unit is designed for emission-free cooling and heating of the load. It offers a cooling capacity of up to 15,800 watts and a heating capacity of 10,500 watts. Batteries on the support winch replace the diesel tank, and also offer the option of installing an additional pallet box with space for 36 pallets.

Schmitz Cargobull’s electrified trailer axle recuperates energy during braking, among other things, and therefore extends the operating time of the refrigeration machine or reduces the recharging times of the battery via the power grid.

“While the trailer is moving, it is effectively powering itself,” adds Slowey. “It’s a really fascinating piece of technology.”

Manfreight is one of Ireland’s largest privately-owned logistics companies. It operates from its headquarters in Craigavon and strategically located sites throughout the UK and Ireland, delivering ambient, chilled and frozen foods to the retail sector.