Tesco embraces electric for refrigerated transport

Tesco has rolled out electric refrigeration technology from manufacturer Sunswap to enable zero-emission temperature control for chilled and frozen foods en route to its retail outlets.

The supermarket giant took delivery of five of Sunswap’s Endurance units at its Peterborough depot earlier in the year, as another step towards its goal of net zero emissions across its supply chain by 2050.

While keeping food chilled or frozen during delivery has traditionally meant operating diesel engines on the backs of trucks – both burning fuel and generating emissions even when vehicles are stationary – Sunswap’s zero-emission transport refrigeration unit (TRU) uses roof-mounted solar panels and in-built modular batteries to maintain temperatures without the need for diesel. The combined use of these technologies eliminates both carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from the TRUs.

The new triple-temperature trailers utilising the equipment will be used to move fresh produce, dairy and frozen foods in separate compartments during single delivery runs.

The deployment of the technology follows extensive trials during which Endurance was found to have performed successfully across multiple temperature zones and delivery distances, even during the hot summer months.

Cliff Smith, the retail chain’s fleet engineering manager, said: “At Tesco, we have an ambitious goal for carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035 and net zero across our value chain by 2050.

“Our trial with Sunswap demonstrated solar and battery power can successfully be used across our road transport cold chain – reducing emissions – while maintaining optimal temperatures across frozen, chilled, and ambient deliveries.”

Sunswap has been manufacturing the purpose-built battery and solar-powered refrigeration units at its UK production facility in Leatherhead since November 2024.

The company’s CEO Michael Lowe commented: “Tesco choosing Sunswap Endurance for their fleet is a landmark moment for sustainable food transport.

“When a retailer of Tesco’s scale deploys electric refrigeration across operations, it validates the technology for the entire industry and accelerates adoption.”