Electric Cooling Units Unveiled for Distribution Transport by MTTE in 2025
Mitsubishi Expands Electric Refrigeration Portfolio for Sustainable Transport
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Transport Europe GmbH (MTTE) has expanded its electric transport refrigeration units with the introduction of the "TEK Series." Unveiled in June 2024, these electric-powered units are designed for small and medium-sized trucks and address the growing demands for consistent-temperature logistics, especially driven by increased grocery home delivery and secure pharmaceutical transport.
The TEK Series features advanced electric refrigeration technology, aiming to improve efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability compared to traditional diesel-powered refrigeration systems. Key features of these electric refrigeration units include compatibility with various vehicle platforms, electric operation for reduced emissions and noise, and enhanced temperature control for optimal conditions for chilled and frozen goods.
Applications of Mitsubishi’s expanded electric refrigeration units include supermarkets and food distributors, pharmaceutical supply chains, and other refrigerated transport sectors aiming to reduce their carbon footprint and operational costs. This expansion supports growth in the global refrigerated transport market, driven by surging demand for frozen and chilled foods, pharmaceuticals, and other temperature-sensitive goods.
MTTE is also presenting the complete Preciso product range of fully electric refrigeration units at the NUFAM in Karlsruhe. The company is actively supporting its customers in the gradual decarbonization of their refrigerated vehicle fleets. The expansion of the electric product lines is a response to the growing demand for emission-free solutions in refrigerated transport, targeting transport companies that want to decarbonize their fleets while ensuring operational capability in urban areas.
In addition to the trade show premieres, MTTE is showcasing its refrigeration technology in real vehicle applications, including a MAN load-through train, a MAN truck, a van, and an MTTE service vehicle. The fully electric trailer refrigeration unit TEF 1500 is also making its debut, available with an external battery and configurable in different battery sizes. The goal is to enable locally emission-free refrigerated transport, especially in urban and regional distribution traffic.
MTTE is continuing to expand its service network and product availability in Europe. The company is also expanding its focus on electrifying all equipment classes in Europe, including transporters and trailers. This move aligns with broader refrigerated transport trends emphasizing technological advancement and environmental compliance, strengthening Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ position in the refrigerated transport sector as it shifts towards electrification and sustainability.
While Mitsubishi is a prominent player with its TEK Series, the electric transport refrigeration market also sees contributions from other innovators like Maxwell+Spark, who focus on electrifying cold-chain logistics with high-performance battery systems, further underscoring the industry's shift towards electric solutions.
The advanced electric refrigeration technology featured in Mitsubishi's TEK Series, designed for small and medium-sized trucks, could potentially revolutionize sports logistics, ensuring consistent temperatures for transportation of items like perishable sports equipment or athletic drinks.
Moreover, as the transportation industry moves towards electrification and sustainability, it is expected that innovative solutions, such as Maxwell+Spark's high-performance battery systems, could lead to the emergence of electric-powered sports infrastructure, such as training facilities, arenas, or even soccer balls with integrated cooling systems.
