Logistics company DP World and food retailer Woolworths are the first in Africa to operate AxlePower, an energy recovery system using axle generators, on the road. To promote sustainability in the transport sector, the new refrigerated trailer has operating between Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Under the harsh conditions south of the equator, the AxlePower system has passed the endurance test, operating efficiently under extreme conditions and ensuring constant cooling and an uninterrupted airflow inside the trailer at ambient temperatures exceeding 40°C. Over a distance of 15,000 km, the system has operated on mains power for over 97% of the time, without needing to start the diesel engine of the refrigeration unit. The system also required no connection to the power grid to compensate for any power shortages or to recharge the battery. It is estimated that AxlePower saves up to 27 tons of CO2 annually compared to conventional diesel-powered trailer refrigeration systems.
Photo: BPW
“This project marks an important milestone on the path to a more sustainable future for the African transport and logistics sector,” says Ronnie Meechan, Regional Director for the Middle East and Africa at Thermo King. “In the rapidly growing South African market, the adoption of electrification and hydrogen technologies is becoming increasingly important for transport companies looking to reduce their fuel consumption. Our collaboration with Woolworths and DP World underscores our shared belief that by harnessing technological advancements and creative solutions, we can make significant progress in reducing our environmental impact and building a better future.”
Feroz Koor, Head of Sustainability at Woolworths Holding: “Following the launch of our electric online delivery vehicles last year, this initiative aligns with our Vision 2025+ goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2040 and with our commitment to creating a more sustainable and efficient supply chain and reducing our carbon footprint.”
“This trailer demonstrates a groundbreaking logistics technology that can help revolutionize the way we keep goods cool on our roads,” said Esha Mansingh, Head of Sustainability for Sub-Saharan Africa at DP World.
Thermo King AxlePower is the result of a collaboration between Thermo King and BPW Bergische Achsen – a fully integrated, semi-trailer-independent system that combines BPW's ePower axle with a refrigeration unit and Thermo King's energy management system. AxlePower's intelligent energy generation system provides the energy required to operate the trailer refrigeration unit by recovering energy generated by the trailer's axle during normal vehicle operation.
The system stores the energy generated when the vehicle rolls or brakes in a high-voltage battery and reuses it to power the refrigeration unit – enabling fully electric, low-emission or zero-emission, and autonomous trailer refrigeration. The Thermo King Energ-e battery pack, which is charged while the trailer is moving, also powers the refrigeration unit autonomously when the trailer is stationary.
The ability to recover and reuse energy makes the Advancer AxlePower system an ideal solution for increasing the sustainability of all types of trailer transport. With quiet operation and zero CO2 emissions from the refrigeration unit when powered by the battery pack, it enables sustainable long-distance transport and deliveries in city centers, including low-emission zones.
