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What is a refrigerated truck?
A refrigerated truck is a commercial vehicle that has been converted so that the goods being transported are kept at a specific temperature, between around -20°C and +12°C. Exclusively designed for professionals and companiesThis type of vehicle is essential for florists, caterers and frozen food delivery operations.
We'll start by explaining the refrigeration mechanism on a diesel commercial vehicle, to simplify understanding of the transformation to an electric vehicle.
The refrigerated box
Refrigerated lorries are lorries to which an insulated body and a refrigeration unit are added.
The refrigerated box is an insulated shell that is installed in the LCV (light commercial vehicle) to insulate the goods. Its installation results in a slight loss of volume, of less than one cubic metre over the entire load volume.
Refrigerated boxes are available in a range of formats to meet the specific requirements of different trades:
- Double storey: with two levels of storage
- Mono temperature: a single temperature zone
- Multi-temperature: different temperature zones using partitions
The refrigeration unit
The refrigeration unit is the equipment used to lower the temperature.
It consists of a thermoregulator: a device that adjusts the temperature. It operates in two possible ways:
- Via an autonomous auxiliary combustion engine (located behind the driver's cab): which runs on diesel.
- Mains powered (230V)
For internal combustion engines, generally diesel, it is essential to ensure that the vehicle and the auxiliary engine are fully fuelled.
How it works
A small control located on the refrigeration unit activates the mechanism.
Once switched on and the temperature selected, the unit is activated and the body begins to cool. It takes an average of 90 minutes to reach the desired temperature, depending on the initial temperature of the body and the desired temperature.
The thermostat must be switched off when goods are being loaded, because if the system is still running, the cooled air escapes and lets in warm, humid air.
You need to take great care, because it's a fragile and expensive system.
Is it possible to have a refrigerated electric vehicle?
It is entirely possible to convert an electric commercial vehicle so that it is refrigerated. There will be no major differences with a thermal vehicle refrigerated. In fact, the process required to transform the vehicle into a refrigerated vehicle is the same. You simply need to add a second battery which will be used to power the refrigeration unit.
The fitting must be carried out by a company specialising in fitting refrigerated vehicles. The fitting must be carried out after the vehicle has been purchased. If you want to fit out a vehicle that you lease, be sure to keep the lessor informed of your plans. They may refuse to fit the vehicle, as it would be too expensive to restore it to normal once it has been returned. They may also charge you additional costs precisely in anticipation of the time when you will return the vehicle.
What impact will the refrigeration system have on your electric vehicle?
To install the refrigeration option on your electric vehicle, you will need to add a second battery to your vehicle, which will be used solely to power the refrigeration unit.
This second battery, like the refrigeration system, will add considerable weight to your vehicle. As your vehicle is heavier, theautonomy of the vehicle will reduce the total range by 30 to 40 %.
And don't forget that fitting out a refrigerated vehicle comes at a price. Depending on the model and the supplier, you can expect to pay between €10 and €18,000 to fit out your electric refrigerated van.
When should I use an electric refrigerated vehicle?
This type of vehicle is essential when you're carrying goods that need to be kept cool at all times.
If you're looking to buy this type of electric vehicle, you should be aware that it won't meet all your needs.
This type of vehicle is ideal if you make short journeys and sometimes have to park for long periods. You'll be able to set up close to a charging point, so you can get on with your business while recharging your vehicle. You won't have to think about your range to get your vehicle back to the garage, and you'll be able to keep your vehicle refrigerated at all times.
For your own convenience, choose a vehicle that charges quickly rather than one with a longer range. The ratio of range recovered by recharging to additional range will generally not be advantageous for the vehicle with the best range. Of course, if you have the opportunity to buy a vehicle with a better range and faster recharging speed, don't deprive yourself.
In general, a refrigerated box is 17 m³, so choose a vehicle with enough space to accommodate at least one box of this size.
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In a nutshell
Refrigerated and electric vehicles are perfectly compatible. The mechanism applied to internal combustion vehicles has been adapted so that low-emission vehicles remain non-polluting vehicles.
In addition to a successful adaptation, the alternative of an electric refrigerated vehicle is possible. It is possible to replace a diesel refrigerated vehicle with an electric one. The needs of business use are covered. It's a great opportunity if you need to travel within a limited radius.
