The vehicle uses a lithium-ion battery system developed by 4R Energy Corporation to operate its refrigerator and chiller compartments.

In yet another confirmation that EVs are cool, Nissan will be conducting test drives of the ATLAS F24 Refrigerator Truck by Li-ion Battery for a one-year period, in cooperation with Tokyo-based Yamato Transport. The new truck is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in summer 2013.

The vehicle uses a lithium-ion battery system developed by 4R Energy Corporation to operate its refrigerator and chiller compartments. This system places no burden on the engine, which offers several advantages.

“For typical refrigerated vehicles, the refrigeration and chilling functions are suspended once the engine is switched off, such as during delivery runs. However, the ATLAS F24 is able to keep these functions in operation, thereby enabling constant and stable temperature management, said Nissan VP Hideto Murakami. “The system runs silently and does not generate emissions, contributing to the reduction of CO₂ emissions and lower fuel costs.”

Yamato Transport’s Takashi Ashihara said, “Generally, vehicles park at each destination for pick-up and delivery. However, we are attempting to decrease frequency of parking by transshipping parcels for several destinations from a vehicle to a handcart. We expect this will contribute to prevent traffic accidents and reduce CO2 emissions. Our signature service – Cool TA-Q-BIN – has two temperature belt delivery services, frozen and chilled. So, it’s essential to maintain stable temperature control even when the vehicle engine is switched off. We anticipate good test results for the Cool TA-Q-BIN in combination with ATLAS F24.”

Nissan is developing various trucks that make use of LEAF battery components. Electrified versions of the NV200 light commercial van, NT400 ATLAS, and ATLAS F24 Power Supply Truck are all in the pipeline.

Source: Nissan