Hulsteins renames its Ecogen trailer fridge electric generation unit the Ecogen CostSaver, to better reflect what it does

Hultsteins has renamed its Ecogen trailer fridge electric generation unit the Ecogen CostSaver.

According to the Swedish and British sustainable refrigeration systems manufacturer, this new name better reflects the system’s ability to power any refrigerated trailer while both reducing C02 emissions and its customers’ diesel fuel bills.

Graham Usher, Hultsteins UK MD, said: “Customer feedback over recent years has highlighted the significant cost and carbon savings which Ecogen brings. As such, we decided to change the Ecogen name to Ecogen CostSaver, and now it says on the tin, exactly what it does!”

The Ecogen CostSaver is an add-on hybrid-drive device, that works with the truck’s PTO to generate enough electricity to run the trailer refrigeration unit (TRU) during transit.

According to Usher, Ecogen CostSaver will reduce CO2 by between 75% and 90%, virtually eliminating DPM and NOx emissions. In comparison, he said conventional diesel-powered TRUs are the equivalent of Euro-2.

“There are significant emissions savings, which will be important when emission restrictions are introduced for auxiliary engines within low emission zones,” he added.

Moving onto cost savings, he pointed out that even the most efficient diesel-powered TRU uses between 1.7 and 2.7 litres an hour, whereas older multi-temperature trailer fridges running at high speeds can consume as much as 4.5 litres per hour. In comparison, he said the additional fuel consumption of a truck fitted with an Ecogen CostSaver is minimal, and for a 44-tonne operation with the fridge running seven hours a day, a 0.1mpg loss is typical.

“Ecogen CostSaver is ideal for virtually anyone running trailer fridges over a reasonable distance. The savings in fuel, emissions, maintenance, and downtime are outstanding,” he said.

Hultsteins UK is offering an operating lease for £10 a day. Or, when purchased outright, Usher said some operators are reporting an ROI of 18 months.

The system is designed for between 10 and 12 years, and can be moved from one truck to the next when the vehicle is renewed.

• Hulsteins UK will be exhibiting at this year’s Road Transport Expo, which takes place at Stoneleigh NAEC on June 28-30. It’s FREE to attend, and registrations are now open.