The prototype operates with CO2, which is extracted from the atmosphere and stays inside the refrigeration circuit in a closed loop system to deliver sustainable cooling. It uses advanced technology from Carrier Transicold’s NaturaLINE® container refrigeration system, assembled inside a traditional Vector® unit chassis and powered by the same patented E-Drive® all-electric technology as the existing Vector range. CO2 is a safe and non-ozone depleting gas with a global warming potential of one, making it the baseline against which all other refrigerants currently considered for use in transport refrigeration are measured.

Over the last year, three other natural refrigerant trailer prototype units have seen success in the UK (Sainsbury’s), Germany (Netto Marken Discount) and the Netherlands (Simon Loos). “Delivering this natural refrigerant trailer prototype into service marks another significant milestone in the development of over-the-road refrigeration using carbon dioxide (CO2),” said David Appel, president, Carrier Transicold & Refrigeration Systems. “Our ultimate vision is to see temperature-controlled units running on natural refrigerant in mainstream production.”