Tesco has opted for Sunswap refrigeration technology to maintain temperatures in its trailers without relying on diesel-powered cooling systems.
The clean tech manufacturer began building its purpose-built battery and solar-powered Endurance refrigeration unit at its production facility in Leatherhead last year.
Tesco took delivery of five Endurance units at its Peterborough depot in February 2025, replacing diesel transport refrigeration.
The deployment followed trials where Endurance performed successfully across multiple temperature zones and delivery distances – even during hot summer conditions.
Tesco’s triple temperature trailers will transport fresh produce, dairy and frozen foods in separate compartments during single delivery runs.
“At Tesco, we have an ambitious goal for carbon neutrality across our own operations by 2035 and net zero across our value chain by 2050,” said Cliff Smith, fleet engineering manager at Tesco.
“Our trial with Sunswap demonstrated solar and battery power can successfully be used across our road transport cold chain – reducing emissions – while maintaining optimal temperatures across frozen, chilled and ambient deliveries.”
Michael Lowe, Sunswap chief executive, added: “Tesco choosing Sunswap Endurance for their fleet is a landmark moment for sustainable food transport.
“When a retailer of Tesco’s scale deploys electric refrigeration across operations, it validates the technology for the entire industry and accelerates adoption.”
