Innovating for Impact: Thermo King® hybrid-electric multi-temp trailer debuts in Chicago

In 2021, Thermo King partnered with leading logistics provider Martin Brower to run trials of the single-temp evolve™ hybrid-electric trailer refrigeration system. This past December the new, multi-temp evolve trailer went into service, making supply deliveries to Chicago-area quick service restaurant locations as part of Martin Brower’s trucking fleet.

The battery-powered trailer has performed extremely well over the past two months of operations, not only maintaining its cargo at precise temperatures, but doing so with zero direct emissions.  

“This technology has the potential to significantly decarbonize the cold chain,” said Paul Kroes, Sr. Trailer Product Manager, Thermo King Americas. “In our trials we recorded average emissions reduction of 100 pounds of carbon per unit per day. When you consider how many long-haul refrigerated trailers that are on the roads today, you’re talking about massive carbon-reduction potential.” 

Thermo King and Martin Brower have been testing electrified trailers for more than two years, transporting loads of refrigerated and deep-frozen goods various distances under differing climate conditions. All the while, engineers have used intelligent dashboards and telematics to collect performance data to improve the technology and better meet customer needs.

Along with the built environment, the transportation cold chain is one of the biggest emitters of greenhouse gasses (GHGs) and presents a major opportunity for carbon emissions reductions. Thermo King’s evolve portfolio of electric refrigerated transportation solutions represents a big step toward a low-carbon cold chain.

"The evolve trials have been instrumental in highlighting the challenges and possibilities associated with transitioning to electrification," stated Kroes. "Through these trials, we have reaffirmed our ability to transport goods at precise temperatures with utmost reliability and sustainability. Our approach revolves around delivering flexible, dependable, and scalable solutions that cater to the unique needs of our customers."