Fontaine Modification expands its extensive electrification integration services to include refrigerated trailers. This is possible through a strategic alliance with electric transport refrigeration unit (eTRU) innovator eNow, Inc.
Fontaine will offer application engineering, integration, and installation of eNow’s renewable Rayfrigeration eTRU technology on refrigerated trailers from all manufacturers. Any combination of solar, e-axle, and shore power fuels the system. Additionally, the renewable power sources maintain a high-capacity lithium-ion battery. Further, this battery can power an all-electric unit from 10 to 12 hours at temperatures from -20 degrees to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition to environmental benefits, using eTRU technology reduces fuel and maintenance costs.
Finally, Fontaine has modification centers strategically located across the United States. The company’s expert technicians will install the systems at its facilities in Charlotte and Statesville, North Carolina; Springfield, Ohio; Detroit, Michigan; Dublin, Virginia; and Mineral Wells, West Virginia.
“Integrating advanced systems into commercial vehicles is our specialty, and we’re excited to put our expertise to work for customers who want to extend their electrification journey to include refrigerated trailers,” says Dave Brosky, vice president, sales and business development, Fontaine Modification Work Truck and EV Solutions. “As electrification becomes increasingly mainstream, we see tremendous potential for moving beyond the truck power plant to trailers and other equipment.”
FIELD TESTED
The company tested the first zero-emission eTRU for commercial use on a Challenge Dairy truck making urban deliveries in 2017. With California Air Resources Board (CARB) support, eNow’s diesel-free reefer system was deployed during a hot summer in Fresno, California. It achieved emission reductions of 98% nitrous oxide, 86% carbon dioxide, and 97% particulate matter compared to traditional diesel-powered systems.
“We are thrilled to work with the Fontaine team to further develop the eTRU market,” says Jeff Flath, president and CEO, eNow. “With an unstable fuel market and environmental concerns reaching a tipping point, eNow Rayfrigeration technology promises to revolutionize commercial transportation by eliminating the need for diesel fuel for trailer refrigeration and lowering equipment maintenance costs.”
Find out more, visit www.fontainemodification.com.
