Innovating for Impact: Electrification Revolutionizes Refrigerated Trailer Transport in South Africa

In a landmark event for sustainable transport, the first 100% electric, zero-emission refrigerated trailer ever to drive the African continent took to the roads in South Africa last year. Operated by DP World logistic group and food retailer Woolworths, the trailer — which utilizes the Thermo King AxlePower energy recovery system — operates on Woolworth’s route between Johannesburg and Cape Town. 

A first look: powering sustainable transportation 

“This project marks an important milestone towards a more sustainable future for Africa’s transport and logistics sector,” said Ronnie Meechan, Regional Sales Director at Thermo King. “Our collaboration with Woolworths and DP World underscores the shared belief that by embracing technological advancements and creative solutions, we can make significant strides towards reducing environmental impact and shaping a better tomorrow.”

Developed by Thermo King®, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, AxlePower is a trailer-mounted axle-and-suspension system that recovers energy from the trailer’s wheels as they roll. The system has been widely tested in recent years in Europe and has proven reliable in a variety of extreme conditions. 

Transforming transport refrigeration through electrification

AxlePower is capable of providing constant cooling and uninterrupted trailer airflow in ambient temperatures of over 40°C. The system had not been deployed in Africa, however, which is why the recent DP World-Woolworth’s launch has generated so much excitement. Demand for electrification and hydrogen technologies has grown in South Africa as more transporters have become interested in sustainability and fuel cost reduction.  

AxlePower requires no connection to the grid to keep the contents of a trailer cold, nor to balance its battery charge. As of this past January, the system has logged 146,000 km on its South African route, nearly all of it in continuous electric mode. The unit’s backup diesel engine has been engaged for cooling purposes just 3% of the time. Currently it’s estimated that AxlePower will annually save up to 20 tons of CO2 compared to traditional diesel-powered trailer refrigeration systems. 

“As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are excited to introduce Thermo King AxlePower technology to our fleet,” said Feroz Koor, Woolworths Holdings Group Head of Sustainability. “Following the rollout of our electric online delivery vehicles last year, this initiative aligns with our Vision 2025+ goal to have net zero carbon emissions by 2040 and ambition to create a more sustainable and efficient supply chain while reducing our carbon footprint.”

Sustainable innovation through collaboration

The AxlePower system was developed through a collaboration between Thermo King and BPW Bergische Achsen KG, a global provider of running gears and mobility services for transport. A fully integrated, tractor-independent system, it combines BPW’s ePower axle technology with Thermo King’s refrigeration units and power management technology. 

AxlePower’s smart energy generating system works by converting energy recovered by the trailer’s axle, then storing it in a high voltage battery (a Thermo King Energ-e battery pack). The recovered energy is then reused to power the refrigeration unit, enabling fully electric, low or zero-emission and autonomous trailer refrigeration. The stored energy also powers the unit autonomously while the trailer is stopped. Virtually silent, the system emits no CO2 at all when in battery mode, which is almost all of the time. 

Smart power management technology controls the engagement and disengagement of the generators to minimize any resistance on the tractor. To eliminate “charge anxiety” for the driver, the system also supplies both the driver and fleet manager with real-time battery status. 

“This trailer demonstrates transformative logistics technology that can help revolutionize the way we refrigerate goods on our roads,” said Esha Mansingh, Head of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for sub-Saharan Africa at DP World. ”It represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable and responsible logistics practices.” 

What’s next

The DP World-Woolworth’s launch is just the beginning of what AxlePower might ultimately do in Africa. Its energy capture and reuse capability is not only useful for long-haul regional trucking, but for virtually all types of shorter run inner-city refrigerated transport services, particularly those operating in Ultra-low Emission Zones (ULEZs) or low noise urban areas. Powered by the road, AxlePower technology is a true game changer for transporters wishing to replace their legacy systems with newer, more efficient, environmentally conscious refrigeration solutions.