Ocado refrigerated trucks now powered by solar

Ocado Logistics has now added the Titan system to its refrigerated trailer fleet, which uses stored power from solar panels to power its refrigeration unit.

The Titan system from Marshall Fleet Solutions is fitted to a 4.98m high double deck trailer, combined with an Advancer A400 refrigeration unit. Titan uses power produced from lightweight, high powered solar panels and stores the electrical energy in long life lightweight lithium batteries to provide powered to the refrigeration unit.

“As part of our Ocado’s commitment to sustainability we have a goal to bring our operations to net zero by 2035” says Graham Thomas, Fleet Operations Manager – Truck. “With a fleet including 300 trailers of which 245 are temperature controlled, for some time we have been looking towards alternative solutions to power trailer fridges, at one point looking at developing our own solution. On learning of Titan and the success of other customer trials, it seemed like a viable add on solution, supplied and supported by a known partner.”

Graham continues, “Because of the nature of our trunking operation and the temperature regimes we use, there is in theory no reason why diesel can’t be eliminated completely and Titan has the potential to be a key contributor to this goal. In preparation we’re building all our future trailers to be capable of taking Titan as a retrofit.”

“It’s so pleasing to see how the partnership between our two companies is continuing to grow and to see Ocado take a leading position by incorporating Titan into its double deck fleet this year,” said Mark Howell, Managing Director, Marshall Fleet Solutions. “The successful use of solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Ocado operation will have a significantly positive impact towards delivering their sustainability goals and we are delighted to be part of their journey to Net Zero.”