XL Fleet has formed a development agreement with eNow, a provider of solar and battery power systems for electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs). XL Fleet has also invested $3 million in eNow’s convertible notes, and has the right to acquire the company at a predetermined valuation. XL Fleet will supply battery and power electronics systems for the first 1,000 units of eNow’s electrified refrigerated trailer solutions. 

XL Fleet and eNow are collaborating on the design and development of the system that will power fully-electric eTRUs for Class 8 commercial trailers. XL Fleet’s batteries and power electronics will be installed underfloor on the trailers, providing approximately 12 hours or more of run time. eNow will integrate this system into its architecture, which includes solar panels mounted on the roof. Currently available 480-volt 3-phase shore power will be used to charge the batteries and power the eTRU when idle, or during loading and unloading. 

XL Fleet and eNow expect to deliver the first of the eTRUs beginning in the first half of 2022 to customers in industries including food, retail, manufacturing and distribution.

Jeff Flath, President of eNow, said, “Together we will offer renewable power systems for reefer trailers, coupled with charging infrastructure, to eliminate a major source of diesel fuel consumption and emissions for fleets.”

Source: XL Fleet