As part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing sustainability across its temperature-controlled commercial vehicle fleet, Co-op has successfully completed the first UK trial of the new Carrier Transicold Supra® High Efficiency (HE) 11 Multi-Temperature (MT) truck refrigeration unit. Following a rigorous six months on the road, the new unit demonstrated how it can deliver significant fuel savings, reduce noise and lower operating costs compared to Carrier Transicold’s legacy Supra systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions.
Mounted to a 26-tonne DAF CF rigid with a two-lane insulated body from Gray & Adams, the new Supra HE 11 MT underwent performance testing alongside one of Co-op’s existing Supra 1150 MT units across several key benchmarks. The Supra HE 11 MT reduced fuel consumption by 25% and used 10% less electricity while on standby. This combination could save nearly 2.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per unit annually. These results have led Co-op to invest in 86 Supra HE 11 MT systems, due for delivery in 2025.
“In the two decades we’ve worked with Carrier they have continually supported our commitment to embracing the latest technologies, and this trial represents the next step for the business as we strive toward our 2035 net zero ambitions,” said Nicholas Orwin, General Manager Fleet and Compliance, Co-op. “We’ve been hugely impressed by the results and moving forward the Supra HE will be the unit of choice for our rigid truck fleet, delivering huge sustainability benefits while also helping us provide the optimal work environment for our drivers.”
The Carrier Transicold Supra HE 11 MT combines mechanical and electrical subsystems into a quieter, lighter and more compact unit that delivers enhanced efficiency, performance and uptime. Additional sustainability benefits are achieved with a 30% reduction of brazed joints, helping to minimise potential refrigerant leakage. The trial unit demonstrated a 2dB(A) noise reduction compared to the Supra 1150 MT. This is a key factor for enhancing driver comfort and reducing the impact on residents during urban deliveries – both essential factors for Co-op.
The new design of the unit also reduces maintenance needs and downtime, requiring only three scheduled visits over a 6,000 engine-hour operating cycle, compared to six for its predecessor.
“With more than 4,000 retail outlets nationwide, maximising uptime to ensure stores are consistently stocked for our customers is vital. The new Supra offers improved performance coupled with less time needed off the road for servicing, which is an ideal combination. That said, we know we can always rely on outstanding aftermarket and service support from Carrier when we need them,” said Orwin.
Based out of Co-op’s Newhouse facility near Motherwell, the trial rigid conducted multi-drop deliveries across Scotland, covering major towns, cities, the highlands and the country’s islands. Expected to log up to 50,000 kilometres per year, the 26-tonne unit has now become a permanent addition to Co-op’s 2,300-strong mixed commercial vehicle fleet.
“We consider our relationship with Co-op a collaboration,” said Scott Dargan, Managing Director UK & Northern Europe, Carrier Transicold. “We are always looking at ways to support the business through fresh thinking and new technology. This was a perfect opportunity to showcase the new Supra HE 11, and the trial results speak for themselves. We look forward to supplying many more units for their operations in the future.”
In addition to the new Supra HE 11 MT units, Carrier Transicold will also provide an additional 106 temperature-controlled systems into Co-op’s fleet in 2025, including flagship Vector HE 19 and Vector HE 17 trailer units. The development of the Supra HE supports Carrier’s 2030 goal of helping its customers avoid more than 1 gigaton of greenhouse gas emissions.
