Austrian refrigeration manufacturer PBX reports that its propane (R290)-based transport refrigeration unit (TRU) for light commercial electric vehicles (EVs) reduces CO2 emissions by 95% and increases payload capacity by 15% compared to diesel-powered refrigeration units using R134a.
Dominic Radler, Chief Technology Officer at PBX, shared the findings about the ecos M24 system during a presentation at the ATMOsphere (ATMO) Europe Summit 2024, which was held in Prague, Czech Republic, in November and organized by ATMOsphere, publisher of NaturalRefrigerants.com.
PBX partnered with Austrian logistics provider Schachinger Logistik to test the ecos M24 system in Schachinger’s electric delivery vans, which transport pharmaceutical products. Tests confirmed a 25% improvement in part-load efficiency and a 75% reduction in maintenance and installation costs compared to diesel-powered TRUs using R134a refrigerant.
Schachinger Logistik plans to phase out its fleet of diesel delivery vans, replacing them with electric vans equipped with PBX’s refrigeration units by 2027.
Key findings: Field testing of PBX’s ecos M24 refrigeration system demonstrated significant environmental and operational benefits in electric delivery vans.
- The lightweight design of the refrigeration unit allowed for a max payload capacity increase of 80kg (176.3lbs), optimizing fleet operations for last-mile logistics. The system weighs 40kg (88.1lbs), making it 50% lighter than a comparable R134a refrigeration system.
- The system consumed only 3-5% of the electric van’s battery capacity per trip, maintaining a driving range of up to 250km (155 miles), depending on operational conditions.
System design: The ecos M24 unit is hermetically sealed and uses 140g of propane. It is designed for installation in vehicles with a maximum weight of 3.5 metric tons.
- “Reducing emissions is critical, but operators also need systems that are lightweight, efficient and easy to install,” Radler stated.
- The company’s upcoming ecos LHV refrigeration system will support deep-freeze transport up to −20°C (−4°F) and larger cargo volumes.
- Variable-speed compressors and full digitalization contribute to energy efficiency, with real-time monitoring to optimize route planning.
- According to PBX, the unit is plug-and-play and designed for quick installation on the roof or front wall of vehicles, which it said reduces maintenance and installation costs by 75%.
Future plans: PBX outlined its roadmap for expanding the deployment of its propane refrigeration system in collaboration with fleet operators.
- The company is conducting temperature and operational tests to finalize system qualification by Q1 2025.
- Implementation for Schachinger Logistik will begin in Q3 2025 with 10–15 vehicles per year, eventually scaling to 50 vehicles in its fleet by 2028.
- In collaboration with AEVES PBX Middle East, PBX aims to establish partnerships with Indian EV manufacturers and logistics operators while expanding its global distribution network to regions including India, the Middle East, Africa and Asia through its exclusive distributor, AEVES PBX Middle East.
“With propane and lightweight design, we reduce emissions while delivering tangible business benefits like increased payload and reduced maintenance.”
Dominic Radler, Chief Technology Officer at PBX
