Wabash National Partners with eNow to Deliver Commercially Available
Zero-Emission Composite Refrigerated Trailers
LAFAYETTE, Ind. – (Trailer Technician) – Wabash National, harnessing eNow™ solar power and Carrier Transicold all-electric refrigeration technologies, now offers customers the most thermally efficient, eco-friendly refrigerated haul available on the market.
First shown as a zero-emission trailer at the American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) meeting in February 2020, the Wabash MSC refrigerated trailer with solar-electric TRU is now commercially available as a road-ready solution.
Although solar-electric solutions aren’t new to the trucking industry, they haven’t been widely adopted because no manufacturer has been able to demonstrate real viability of a roadworthy solution.
“We haven’t seen high demand for zero-emission trailers for refrigerated hauls due to the location and size of batteries,” explained Robert Lane, Wabash National’s vice president, product innovations. “This is the first time a major trailer innovation has been coupled with a major TRU innovation that results in breakthrough customer value in a sustainable format. Our Molded Structural Composite (MSC) technology provides a unique platform for electric powered TRUs. The large gain in thermal efficiencies allow a customer to either downsize the batteries required to haul cargo or increase the run time on a battery setup.”
The cost to operate and maintain a diesel reefer system can total hundreds of millions of dollars for U.S. fleets. With Wabash National, eNow and Carrier Transicold, customers get a zero-emission refrigerated transportation solution that is more energy efficient and has a lower operating cost.
- The Wabash National MSC Refrigerated Trailer is the most thermally efficient, lightest and most durable reefer on the road. The company’s proprietary MSC technology sets new standards in efficiency with significant thermal performance, maximized payload capacity, corrosion resistance and the industry’s highest standard floor rating.
- The eNow Rayfrigeration™ System is a solar-electric power system that enables a full 12-hour route duration without employing a diesel engine to power the TRU. It can cut operating costs by over 50% compared to diesel reefers.
- Carrier Transicold’s engineless Vector™ 8100 unit, is a highly efficient and uniquely all-electric trailer refrigeration system that brings benefits of reduced maintenance and noise, while eliminating emissions and fuel consumption associated with traditional diesel TRUs.
“We are excited about our partnership with Wabash,” said eNow President Jeff Flath. “Our combined technologies should have a major impact in reducing operating cost.”
Customers can learn more about Wabash National’s MSC Reefers with solar-electric TRUs by contacting a Wabash National sales representative at 855-530-3870 or sales@wabashnational.com.
Wabash National Corporation: Changing How the World Reaches You
As the innovation leader of engineered solutions for the transportation, logistics and distribution industries, Wabash National Corporation (NYSE:WNC) is changing how the world reaches you. Headquartered in Lafayette, Indiana, the company’s mission is to enable customers to succeed with breakthrough ideas and solutions that help them move everything from first to final mile. Wabash National designs and manufactures a diverse range of products, including: dry freight and refrigerated trailers, platform trailers, bulk tank trailers, dry and refrigerated truck bodies, structural composite panels and products, trailer aerodynamic solutions, and specialty food grade and pharmaceutical equipment. Its innovative products are sold under the following brand names: Wabash National®, Beall®, Benson®, Brenner® Tank, Bulk Tank International, DuraPlate®, Extract Technology®, Supreme®, Transcraft®, Walker Engineered Products, and Walker Transport. Learn more at www.wabashnational.com.
About eNow
eNow is a clean-technology company specializing in renewable energy systems. Founded in 2011, eNow’s proprietary systems include the industry’s first zero-emission, electric TRUs (transport refrigeration units) powered in part by a 6kW array of advanced solar modules on the trailer roof. Importantly, the eTRUs qualify for multiple incentive vouchers from CARB-CORE to the Federal Diesel Emissions Reduction Program (DERA). Previously, eNow pioneered the development of roof-mounted solar systems for Class 8 OEM trucks such as Freightliner, Navistar, and Volvo. These advanced solar systems effectively help reduce engine idling and extend auxiliary battery life for applications such as electric-APUs, liftgates, and telematics. eNow’s patented solar systems include thin, flexible, lightweight solar panels that are rugged enough to withstand the harsh environment on top of heavy-duty trucks, buses, and military vehicles. eNow system reliability has been confirmed by numerous case studies and white papers – as well as performance data from thousands of eNow-powered vehicles on the road. http://www.enowenergy.com