CoolRun - Lightweighting and HGV modification to optimise energy efficiency of cold chain freight

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Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK
Innovate UK

£873,005

June 30, 2021

March 31, 2022

Hubl Logistics Ltd have developed the innovative CoolRun System, a zero-emission, passive cooling, energy efficient, lightweight alternative capable of transporting mixed, ambient and refrigerated freight. It includes a novel handling system.

On this project we will work with Lawrence David, the UK's premium manufacturer of HGC trailers and bodies. Together we will develop an lightweight, energy efficient HGV trailer that reduces vehicle fuel consumption, removes the need for a secondary power source (often an unregulated diesel engine), and removes the requirement for an expensive and inefficient refrigeration and cooling system.

The CoolRun System will create a 20% vehicle weight reduction, while enabling a 20% increased payload. In theory, this represents a 20% reduction in energy requirement as well as operational efficiency. Additional efficiencies will be delivered by changing behaviours around manual food checks, which impact temperature consistency.

The market has grown substantially since the COVID pandemic, which saw a 61% spike in the number of online grocery orders. Estimates suggest that the number of grocery deliveries will remain 40% higher than pre-COVID levels. The motivation behind this project is a push-pull effect between retailers with Net Zero targets and HGV manufacturers subject to increasing regulations around emissions reduction. An important driver here is the rapid rise in e-commerce, which is creating higher demand for deliveries, which require more freight vehicles on the road.

In this project Hubl will develop a prototype of the CoolRun System on a HGV trailer for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. We will review and test its environmental performance and test in real-world conditions.