Fischer Panda UK promotes cool pharma power solution at CV Show
Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions was among the exhibitors at this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show, where it promoted its mobile power offering for the sector, including for temperature-controlled applications.
For operators in the cold chain sector, says the company – including those serving the pharmaceutical industry – onboard power presents a challenge on how to maintain reliable, temperature-controlled environments without compromising what’s in transit, plus vehicle range or payload.
The power solutions specialist was joined on its stand by Mertrux, the Mercedes-Benz commercial vehicle dealer, with whom it has partnered to solve precisely this kind of challenge.
The six-month project, working alongside GAH, DBS Ltd, GRP and Pace Technology, saw the team develop an advanced, autonomous onboard power system, resulting in a fully integrated, zero-emission vehicle, high-performing refrigerated transport to support the needs of a pharmaceutical company.
GAH provided the platforms to operate the temperature controls, giving access to the refrigeration systems at any given time. GRP-Group, whose expertise is in manufacturing refrigerated transport, managed the refrigeration conversions and DBS Ltd provided an enhanced active portable container to control the temperature of more proteinaceous products between +2°C and +8°C in line with GDP (Good Distribution Practice) guidelines. Pace Technology provided and installed the live view CCTV, telematics, power management, specialist door locking and AI technology, including data analytics and a sophisticated reporting platform.
Ensuring pharmaceutical goods remain at tightly controlled temperatures during transport is non-negotiable and must be protected throughout the entire delivery cycle.
In battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the demands of refrigeration and other onboard systems can negatively impact range. This issue becomes especially critical in urban areas, including those with strict low-emission zone (LEZ) requirements, where electric solutions are often dictated.
“Power-heavy payloads like refrigeration units can pose a significant risk to the operational range of EVs,” explained Chris Fower, managing director at Fischer Panda UK | Power Solutions.
“It was important that this system could run autonomously and independently of the vehicle’s OEM drive system, both inside and outside of LEZs. So, we needed to create a light, integrated solution that wouldn’t compromise performance or payload.”
The project focused on equipping a 4.2-tonne Mercedes-Benz eSprinter with a high-performing refrigeration system capable of running for extended periods, completely independent from the vehicle’s traction battery.
Ian Saunders, Fischer Panda UK’s sales director, led the project.
“To prioritise the power needed to maintain medicine and pharmaceuticals at the optimal temperature, while relying on a potentially already compromised OEM drive range, an extra Lithium based battery system was needed,” he explained.
“To address this, we developed a Mastervolt MLI battery and recharge system that would provide independent, reliable extended running and recharging times. Using the Mastervolt MLI Li-Ion battery and and Mastervolt Chargemaster, acting as a DC power supply more than satisfied this requirement. We also optimised solar charging capabilities to further extend the system run times.”
Installing a slim-profile semi-flexible rooftop solar panel helped to extend runtimes between recharges, and is a sustainable source of power.
“Without Fischer Panda UK we wouldn’t have been able to make this project work,” said Cory James, business development manager for Mertrux.
“The battery they recommended powers both fridges within the vehicle, which draws from the vehicle battery. Their team also gave us ongoing support throughout the process. We’re very pleased with the final outcome which meant we could confidently satisfy this particular customer.”
The first Mertrux vehicle was successfully commissioned in March 2025.
As the UK’s commercial vehicle sector works towards electrification, projects like this demonstrate that sustainable solutions are achievable, says Fischer Panda UK, and that they can deliver exceptional performance.
“For cold chain operators, having access to reliable, independent refrigeration is essential,” said the company.
“With integrated solutions, operators can meet emissions targets, preserve valuable payload space, and transport goods effectively and confidently.”
Readers can learn more, or get in touch to discuss tailored onboard power systems, via the website.
