Green Wedge
HOT TECH FOR COLD TRANSPORT Rhyner Logistik has solar energy to power its new electric refrigeration truck. The backbone for transporting perishable goods, cold trucks dramatically reduce food waste. But they also guzzle a quarter more fuel than non-refrigerated trucks, and use potent greenhouse gases like HFCs for cooling. Surely, there’s a more sustainable option.
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL Swiss haulier Rhyner Logistik believes there is. The company recently added an all-electric Renault truck to its 100-strong delivery fleet. Even better, it features retrofitted solar panels to cool its refrigeration unit. These convert otherwise wasted heat into electricity to supplement the required cooling energy. The Renault D Wide Z.E. truck joins other vehicles in supplying the Denner supermarkets in Zurich and its suburbs. Denner is Switzerland’s third largest supermarket chain. Bringing Rhyner Logistik a step closer to its carbon neutrality goal, the fully electric truck with zero tailpipe
emissions marks a new direction in the company’s efforts to harness solar energy on the move. Rhyner Logistik has also acquired a rapid charging station, to charge the truck while loading.
ELECTRIC PERFORMANCE
Range D Wide Z.E. works well in an urban environment that requires frequent braking. Energy recovery alone is estimated to yield savings of 20 to 30 per cent, which translate into additional mileage.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Renault launched the all-electric Range D Wide Z.E. in the UK last year. The 6x2 rigid vehicle derives its power from two electric motors, delivering a maximum of 370kW, continuous power of 260kW, and maximum torque of 850Nm. According to Renault Trucks, it offers a range of up to 150km depending on the application and body specification. Fitted with a 22kW onboard AC charger, the all‑electric vehicle is compatible with DC fast charging up to 150kW, 200KWh batteries – which comprise four packs of high energy density nickel manganese cobalt lithium-ion cells. The regenerative braking feature of the
Convinced that electric mobility is the most effective way to achieve carbon neutrality, Rhyner Logistik will be assessing the operational results of the Renault EV ahead of future plans to electrify – or solar-power – the rest of the fleet. Other truck makers are beginning to explore the use of solar panels for powering their vehicles’ auxiliary systems. Applications include running air conditioning, heating or TVs for drivers who sleep overnight in the cabs. But we’re still a long way from moving a truck with solar energy – the roof simply isn’t big enough to fit enough panels. ■
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