Are Electric Reefers Worth It?  5 Benefits to Consider

The benefits of using Electric TRU’s are profound and center upon lower cost.  But lower administrative burden, lower noise, and lower emissions also make it worth it to switch to electric reefers for your storage or stationary semi trailers.   The upfront investment can be recovered in less than two years.  There are some qualifiers though– to determine if they fit your application.

Main Takeaways

• Every cost area is lower.  Upfront cost is lower.  Maintenance cost is lower.  Energy consumption cost is lower.  Management or administration burden is lower.  Acquiring them is easy.  The industry is set up to get things done with only a few phone calls.  Availability is nearly immediate.  TRU dealers and most semi trailer dealers are prepared for immediate  installation or the removal of old diesel TRU’s to be  replaced with new electric TRU’s.
• Electric TRU’s  function for stationary use of semi trailers only.  Electric reefers only work while plugged in.  So they are not good for use with transport– but rather only for storage or stationary semi trailers.  There are specific power requirements:  your site must have 3 phase electric present, and it must have either 220-240 Volt or 440-480 Volt readily available.

1. Lower operating costs (electricity vs diesel fuel)

Electricity costs are typically $0.10 to $0.30 per kilowatt hour.  Electric powered TRU’s  pull 7 kilowatts, so the energy cost is $0.70 to $2.10 per operating hour.  This varies by region, by time of day, and by the total energy consumption per customer with their account with their local energy company.  Diesel fuel costs about $4.00 per gallon.  Diesel powered TRU’s consume about 1 gallon per hour, so their energy cost is about $4.00 per operating hour.

2. Elimination of diesel fuel

No more need to fuel reefers.  You don’t have to use a fuel vendor, or an internal process to keep equipment fueled.  This means less administrative burden.

3. Near zero maintenance requirements

There are no “service parts” on electric TRU’s.  There is one normal wear item, which is the small dedicated drive belt connecting the 3 HP electric motor to the evaporator fan.  Replace this as needed, which is typically once every 5 years.

4. Compliance with regulations

California CARB regulations.  EPA refrigerant regulations.  All known emissions regulations.  All known noise level regulations.  This allows for access to areas otherwise restricted from compliance issues.

5. Stewardship and corporate citizenry

Zero direct emissions.   Improved air quality.  Enhanced corporate sustainability and ESG goals.  Eligibility for tax credits, rebates, and incentives.