Sunswap technology displays Endurance in tough climates
Electric refrigeration technology from UK manufacturer Sunswap has completed commercial operations in five countries, with data reportedly indicating consistent performance in both summer heat and cold winter conditions.
Sunswap’s fully electric Endurance transport refrigeration unit (TRU) has now operated across Australia, the UK, Chile, France and the Netherlands, providing what the company describes as clear answers to common questions from transport operators about the technology.
Fleet managers typically question whether electric TRUs can maintain frozen temperatures in winter, cope with high summer heat, or complete long‑distance routes without access to external charging. Sunswap’s latest operational data suggests the Endurance unit has met those challenges across a range of climates and duty cycles.
In the Australian summer of 2026, Wickham Freight deployed Endurance on a 1,671‑kilometre Sydney–Brisbane return route, running frozen and chilled compartments simultaneously. The unit completed the journey without external power and used 28 per cent of its battery capacity.
“That’s a route most operators would describe as impossible for electric refrigeration. The unit completed it with barely a dent in the battery charge,” said Sunswap.
In January 2026, Store Logs ran the unit continuously for 30 hours at –22°C between South Kirkby and South Wales. The company did not modify its route or schedule for the trial. Group logistics director Mark Coventry described the test as “one of the best trials we’ve ever had as a company”.
In Chile, Endurance units operating in warm summer conditions generated an average of 25 kWh of solar power per day. Over a month of operation, solar provided the majority of the unit’s required energy. Walmart, which ran routes exceeding 500 kilometres, reported that 76 per cent of battery capacity remained after a 26‑hour run.
In Northern Ireland, Derry Group used Endurance for mixed frozen and chilled deliveries at –21°C and +3°C across 20 stops per day, six days a week. French operator Prévoté deployed the unit on frozen supermarket deliveries for Carrefour during January 2026. In the Netherlands, DLG has been using Endurance on long‑distance FMCG routes under a lease arrangement with TIP Group.
Said Sunswap: “Endurance carries trailer-top solar panels that charge the battery continuously while the unit is running. In practice, this means that on chilled routes, many operators are drawing the majority of their energy directly from sunlight – with grid charging a secondary input.
“Staples Vegetables, a Lincolnshire fresh produce supplier, has recorded 96 per cent of power from solar since going live in June 2025, with zero grid charging required. The solar contribution doesn’t just reduce running costs – it reduces the need and frequency of grid charging.
“Bannister Transport, who are transitioning their entire fleet to Sunswap, were concerned they would be charging every day. Carl, their fleet manager, told us they are only charging once a week – year-round.”
