Woolworths Group launches new e-axle trailer to remove emissions

Primary Connect, Woolworths Group’s supply chain and logistics arm, has launched a trial of Australia’s first ‘e-axle trailer’ that uses kinetic energy from its own axle and wheels to generate electricity.

Deployed in Queensland, the trailer is part of Woolworths Group’s initiatives to help reduce emissions and enable more sustainable supply chain operations.

Related: Primary Connect and Linfox to launch new electric truck in supply chain

The electricity generated from the trailer’s axle and wheels feed a battery, which can run the refrigeration system and reduce diesel consumption.

Since it does not have diesel generators and 200L fuel tanks, carbon dioxide (CO2) and particulate emissions are significantly reduced as a result.

Ben Newton, Primary Connect’s General Manager Strategy and Partnerships, said they are pleased to have had the opportunity to put the first e-axle trailer on the road in Australia.

“At Woolworths, we want to build a better tomorrow for generations to come, and this is an important step in our path towards reducing emissions in our road transport operations,” Newton said.

Trailers throughout the Primary Connect fleet typically consume two litres of fuel per hour (16 litres per day), with each trailer refrigeration system being used for an average of eight hours per day.

Given the minimum life of a trailer is 10 years, the new e-axle trailer would save more than 5,000 litres of fuel equating to 13.2 tonnes of CO2 over that period.

Phillip Farrugia, Primary Connect’s National Fleet Manager, also said that the trial not only helps reduce emissions, but also runs more quietly, meaning less disruption through residential community areas.

“We’ll keep a close eye on the impact of this technology on our emissions profile and look at its potential for broader deployment across the fleet,” Farrugia said.

“We’re grateful to Carrier Transicold, SAF Holland and Maxitrans for their assistance in bringing this new and exciting technology to Australia for the first time.”

The e-axle trailer was created in partnership with Carrier Transicold (fridge and battery solution), SAF Holland (e-axle) and MaxiTRANS (trailer manufacturer).

“When it comes to innovation, our ultimate goal is to develop solutions that matter for people and the planet, a value we share with Woolworths Group’s Primary Connect,” said Stephen Elford, Managing Director at Carrier Transicold Australia-New Zealand.

“We believe the Vector eCool represents the future of refrigerated trailer technology. This fully electric trailer refrigeration unit operates autonomously without the need for a diesel engine,” Elford said.

“It’s one of the most exciting new products we have ever brought to market and we are delighted to have partnered with Woolworths Group to deliver the first unit of its kind in Australia.”

If the trial proves successful, Woolworths Group and Primary Connect hope to scale the new technology across its fleet of over 800 refrigerated trailers.

The e-axle trailer is one of Woolworths Group’s sustainability initiatives to support the delivery of a 63% reduction in Scope 1 emissions by 2030.