The transport of perishable products and foodstuffs requires precise and tailor-made work as well as a suitable vehicle. This is in order to maintain all their freshness, but also to keep them in good condition. Therefore, particular importance must be given to the choice of refrigerated commercial vehicle. In particular, we share with you everything you need to know if you choose an electric refrigerated commercial vehicle through this article.
First of all, a refrigerated electric utility uses the power supply to:
In the case of a refrigerated thermal utility, the fridge is powered mechanically when the vehicle is in operation. This is achieved by installing an additional compressor connected by the accessory belt to the vehicle's thermal engine. It is through this intermediary that the vehicle can ensure the functioning of the fridge. Setting up this system requires much more effort from the engine and will therefore increase the consumption of the utility vehicle. On the other hand, concerning a electric refrigerated van, the fridge can be powered by using the vehicle battery. The use of this energy will then increase the overall consumption of the vehicle. In addition, it will have a considerable impact on its autonomy. Fortunately, there is an alternative for powering the fridge in electric refrigerated vans. In fact, by adding An additional battery under the passenger seat, this will allow you to devote the use of the main battery to the operation of the car. It is still important to note that this solution is rather expensive in view of battery prices.
We often use the terms truck and van to refer to two different types of utility vehicles. However, these names indicate the same type of vehicle. The same is true between an electric van and an electric van. Thus, both refer to vehicles with a weight of less than 3.5 tons and which are intended for the transport of goods.
For the electric car fridge to stay on, it must be constantly powered. As a result, the consumption of the fridge will be significant enough to have an impact on that of the electric car. Moreover, the consumption of the fridge is such that it can influence the performance of the utility vehicle.
It is important to note that the fridge can be powered by the electric vehicle. In other words, the battery is used as well for the operation of the fridge as that of the car. In this case, the autonomy of the electric vehicle is impacted by the installation of a fridge. Even if an additional battery is added to the car, the range will still decrease due to a greater weight that will require more energy from the entire vehicle. Electric refrigerated commercial vehicles are still more advantageous, because the fridge can work constantly. Thus, whether the vehicle is on or off, it manages to constantly feed the fridge.
An electric refrigerated commercial vehicle and an internal combustion version work differently. In fact, while both have certain elements such as a condenser, a compressor or an evaporator, the difference is in the engine of the thermal version. It integrates a second compressor connected by the belt in order to be able to power the fridge.In summary, the only difference between an electric refrigerated utility vehicle and a combustion version is the motorization. Otherwise, the use of the vehicle and the refrigeration unit remains the same.
The ATP or Perishable Transport Agreement certification aims to ensure the conformity of refrigerated food transport equipment before they are put into service. To be more precise, the check must be carried out on refrigerated commercial vehicles. It makes it possible to verify whether the vehicles are capable of producing and maintaining the cold in order to ensure the preservation of the products during their transport. This check is carried out periodically after the vehicle is put into service. It concerns all refrigerated commercial vehicles, whether electric or thermal. In any case, to obtain ATP certification, you will have to go to the Cemafroid. In fact, it is this body that is responsible for issuing these certificates in France.
Discover the various regulations specific to refrigerated transport, including ATP certification in this guide.
Some electric utilities can be refrigerated. Indeed, it is possible to adapt small electric vehicles with 1 m³ to 15 m³ of load. Here are a few examples of the main electric vehicles involved:
These models are able to accommodate a refrigeration unit at the rear. As for their power, it can be supplied by the car battery itself or an additional battery. This layout is possible at companies specializing in the refrigeration transformation of vehicles.
There are many brands and companies that offer refrigeration units for electric vehicles. You thus have a wide choice on the model adapted to your vehicle.
The brand Thermo King offers refrigerators for electric commercial vehicles with a low consumption range, including ECO versions. Among the list of refrigeration units offered by Thermo King for electric vans, you can for example opt for the B-100 10 ECO model. In fact, it all depends on the model of your electric utility vehicle as well as your needs.
Kerstner is also one of the brands that offer you refrigerator models for electric utility vehicles. In particular, for light electric vans, the Kerstner brand offers you the Kerstner e-Cooljet 106. It is a refrigeration unit that does not require the addition of an additional battery and has a 12v architecture that limits its consumption.But, you can also rely on the Cooljet 203 e-A which is a bit more powerful, with the capacity to obtain an ATP FRAX class on a 10 m³ refrigerated van. Of course, the energy consumption of the latter is more considerable. Be aware that many other companies and brands focus on the design of refrigeration units for electric vans. Thus, you can choose a model that seems most advantageous to you according to your needs and your budget.
If you plan to transform your refrigerated electric van, know that you can go to ATP centers. They are generally in a position to transform an electric van into a refrigerated electric van. However, you can also request the work of the main French refrigerated bodybuilders, namely:
When it comes to financing your refrigerated, thermal or electric commercial vehicle, you have the choice between the following means:
In case you want to rent, there are companies that rent refrigerated vehicles such as” Petit Forestier ” or” Fraikin ”. However, buying a used car is also interesting. You can even find electric vans that have already been transformed into refrigerated vans.
Acquiring an electric refrigerated commercial vehicle opens up more and more delivery opportunities in city centers. Especially since refrigerated transport is in high demand in the delivery sector. Do you want to know the regulations governing this transport? Or the financing options? Consult our dedicated guide on refrigerated vehicles hither.
