Solomon Commercials, Greenhous DAF and Thermo King Unveil Fully Electric Temperature Controlled Truck.

By working together to build smarter temperature controlled fleets for a cleaner future, the collaborative team has created an innovative solution that showcases the real-world application of sustainable refrigerated distribution.

Built on DAF’s 20-tonne 4×2 battery-electric chassis, the vehicle combines a purpose-engineered insulated body with Thermo King’s fully electric refrigeration system, demonstrating a viable real-world solution for urban distribution.

The DAF Electric range combines efficient permanent magnet e-motors with advanced battery technology to deliver high torque, zero-emission operation and a driving range of up to 350km on a single charge, depending on specification.

Supporting rapid DC charging through the Combined Charging System (CCS), the vehicles are designed with flexible battery packaging that maximises chassis space for specialist body installations, including refrigerated applications.

An optional 650V e-PTO also enables auxiliary equipment, such as refrigeration units and tail lifts, to operate directly from the vehicle’s battery system without the need for a separate generator.

Solomon Commercials is the first UK temperature-controlled vehicle manufacturer to install the advanced Thermo King E-Volution E-1600e electric refrigeration unit. Specifically designed for integration with battery-electric rigid trucks between 7.5 and 26 tonnes, the system delivers high-performance cooling and heating while supporting zero-emission operation.

Thermo King E-Volution features an integrated electric architecture that simplifies installation and reduces component complexity. Its slim, lightweight design lowers vehicle height and energy consumption, helping reduce operating costs, extend range and improve fleet flexibility.

Direct connection to a BEV’s high-voltage DC ePTO, combined with variable speed operation, maximises electrical efficiency by eliminating AC conversion losses and minimising battery range impact.

The vehicle body incorporates Solomon Commercials’ enhanced aerodynamic features, designed to optimise airflow and improve energy efficiency for refrigerated vehicles. These innovations help extend vehicle range while reducing overall operational impact.

Operational flexibility is provided through a movable 50/50 split bulkhead, enabling multi-temperature capability within a single vehicle. Enhanced accessibility is delivered through double side doors, rear shutter access, and integrated driver safety features, ensuring practicality for demanding distribution environments.

Developed as a demonstrator, the vehicle showcases how EV technology can be successfully applied to temperature-controlled logistics without compromising performance, practicality, or usability.

Neil Ormerod, Sales Manager at Solomon Commercials, said:
“ This project reflects our continued commitment to helping customers align their fleets towards a more sustainable future and represents a major step forward in the evolution of refrigerated transport. By bringing together electric driveline technology, advanced aerodynamics, and fully integrated refrigeration, we are demonstrating that zero-emission refrigerated distribution is now commercially viable.”

Jon Jerrard-Dinn, Rental & Strategic Segments Sales Manager at Thermo King UK, said:
“ The future of temperature-controlled transport will be shaped by electrification, digitalisation and innovation that helps customers move at different speeds based on their operations, infrastructure and readiness. Projects like this show how important collaboration is to moving the industry forward. By bringing together expertise across vehicle, body and refrigeration technologies, we can help fleets accelerate their transition with greater confidence. Fleets need electric refrigeration solutions that demonstrate performance, reliability and a clear business case in real-world operation. ”

The temperature controlled demonstrator provides Greenhous DAF and its customers with a practical platform to evaluate electric refrigerated transport in real-world applications, supporting the industry’s transition towards cleaner, more sustainable operations.