How Electric Van Fleets Could Revolutionise Refrigerated Commercial Transportation

Electric van fleets are quickly becoming a popular and cleaner alternative for refrigerated transport, which has traditionally relied on diesel-powered engines.

Traditional diesel-powered vehicles are known to contribute towards emissions and come with substantial operational costs. These are now being phased out by many companies in favour of more sustainable and cost-effective solutions, such as electric van fleets.

This shift represents a significant step towards sustainable innovation across commercial transportation practices.

The Role of Electric Van Fleets in Sustainable Innovation

How Electric Vans Reduce Emissions

Traditional refrigerated vehicles emit CO₂ from their engines and in some cases further CO2 from their refrigeration units. A study undertaken by Zemo Partnership indicated that transport refrigeration units (TRUs) can increase a vehicle’s CO₂ emissions by up to 11% compared to non-refrigerated units. Additionally, a 2024 report by the Institute of Refrigeration highlighted that the UK’s transport refrigeration sector produces between 1.44 and 2.62 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent annually.

Electric van fleets eliminate tailpipe emissions and align with the UK’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% by 2035.

Fuel vs Electric Cost Efficiency

While the initial cost of electric vehicles is still often higher than their Diesel equivalents, the long-term savings often outweigh this expenditure.

Electric van fleets benefit from lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance, and government incentives. One such initiative is the Plug-in Van Grant, which offers up to £5,000 off eligible large electric vans.

At Celsius, we help businesses make the most of these schemes, offering guidance on compliant vehicle selection and delivering high-quality fridge van conversions tailored to electric platforms. The result is a fully integrated solution that meets both operational needs and sustainability goals.

Fridge Van Conversions for Electric Fleets

Benefits of Pairing Fridge Units with Electric Vehicles

Integrating refrigeration units into electric vans requires careful planning and consideration to ensure performance and efficiency. Purpose-built fridge van conversions for electric vehicles have many benefits, including:

• Lower running costs
• Reduced emissions
• Quieter operation
• Temperature stability
• Eligibility for clean air zones

Innovations in Refrigeration Tech Suitable for EVs

At Celsius, we continue to invest in forward-thinking design and testing to ensure that refrigeration technology keeps pace with the shift to electric van fleets and other vehicles. We develop and test bespoke systems tailored to meet the specific demands of electric van fleets.

How Celsius Are Leading the Way in Electric Van Fleets

At Celsius, our team have been at the forefront of sustainable innovation, pioneering fridge van conversions for electric vehicles.

Our research and development efforts led to the creation of Polycore insulation, made from recycled plastic bottles. Each van lined with Polycore contains up to 8,000 recycled bottles, delivering both thermal efficiency and environmental benefits.

Case Studies and Market Adoption Trends

Challenges and How They’re Being Addressed

Retiring older diesel vehicles in favour of electric van fleets can be a challenge for many industries, with faith in the electric vehicle ability to perform and carry out the same duties as their diesel predecessors being a key barrier. At Celsius, we’re addressing these challenges through ongoing investment in research and development. Our team creates bespoke fridge van conversions tailored specifically to the unique demands of electric refrigerated transport. With an in-house temperature-controlled test chamber, we rigorously test each solution for performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability, plus with our regular road tests we are well placed to offer real world insights into the range of electric vehicles after they have been converted.

Customer and Industry Response

The response across the industry to electric van fleets has been increasingly positive, with many businesses recognising the long-term benefits in cost savings, emissions reduction, and regulatory compliance. For instance, Scottish and Southern Electricity (SSE) has committed to switching 3,500 vehicles to electric by 2030, British Gas/Centrica aims to replace its entire fleet of 12,500 vans with electric versions by 2030, Heathrow Airport operates one of the largest EV fleets in the UK, with 50 Jaguar I-PACEs and the UK government has committed to making 100% of central government cars and vans fully zero emission by 2027, which is about 40,000 vehicles.

As demand grows for more sustainable transport solutions, our innovative approach to fridge van conversions and ongoing investment in sustainable innovation is helping businesses to move to electric van fleets without compromising on reliability or performance.

Driving Forward with Electric Van Fleets

At Celsius, we are committed to supporting businesses in their transition to electric van fleets, helping to reduce their carbon footprint through tailored fridge van conversions and a continued focus on sustainable innovation.

Contact our team today to learn more about our fridge van conversions and our continued research and development.