Tesco and Marshall Fleet Solutions are working on a trial of 100% solar powered refrigerated trailers as part of Tesco’s long-term goal of sustainability and reduced carbon footprint targets.

The first 100% solar powered trailers fitted with the Titan system from Marshall are now on the road and servicing Tesco distribution centres across the country. Titan uses power produced from lightweight, high powered solar panels and stores the electrical energy in long life lightweight lithium batteries to provide power to the refrigeration unit.

Cliff Smith, Fleet Engineering Manager, said: “We’ve got 4,200 trailers in our distribution fleet transporting fresh goods such as fruit, vegetables, ready meals, and sandwiches. Around 3,000 of those are refrigerated and with a goal to bring carbon emissions to net zero by 2035 and the imminent removal of red diesel entitlements, we’ve had to look at the way our food gets to stores and customers.”

“As a business we have looked at various options and through our long-standing relationship with Marshall Fleet Solutions we decided to trial the use of the Titan system on our fleet. So far we are finding that there is no detriment to operational performance, 100% saving on diesel costs and a good ROI.

MFS Managing Director, Mark Howell said: “With a significant trailer fleet, the successful use of solar powered refrigerated trailers within the Tesco distribution operation cannot be underestimated, in terms of its significantly positive environmental impact. Both Tesco and MFS share similar sustainability and carbon reduction plans. As a result of MFS’s long association with Tesco as approved suppliers of Thermo King transport refrigeration systems, this initiative builds on the strength of this relationship, whilst helping to deliver on Tesco’s global sustainability goals.”