Bannister Transport Nears UK’s First Zero-Emission Refrigerated Fleet with Sunswap Units
Bannister Transport is closing in on its goal to become the UK's first fully zero-emission refrigerated fleet operator. The Evesham-based haulier has taken delivery of the latest batch of Sunswap's Endurance units--solar and battery-powered refrigeration systems built to eliminate diesel use. This latest delivery is part of a two-year plan to convert the company's entire 40-trailer fleet.
Once complete, the shift to a fully zero-emission refrigerated fleet is expected to save 1,760 tonnes of CO2 and 13.6 tonnes of NOx over the life of the units. That's the environmental equivalent of removing over 400 cars from UK roads. Sunswap, based in Leatherhead, supplies the Endurance units, which combine onboard batteries with roof-mounted solar panels to deliver sustainable, off-grid refrigeration.
According to Sunswap, solar input typically provides 80-85% of the energy needed for chilled operations. Tom Owens, owner and managing director of Bannister Transport, said: "The performance of the Sunswap units already in operation has exceeded our expectations in terms of reliability, run time and cost savings. We're seeing clear evidence that this technology can deliver on its promise, which gives us complete confidence as we move toward becoming the UK's first fully electric refrigerated fleet."
He added that the switch is being noticed by customers. "Our customers are increasingly demanding partners with strong environmental credentials, and our solar-powered refrigerated trailers provide a clear differentiator. They can see we're actually delivering reduced emissions." The business has also invested in electric trucks and solar panels at its Evesham depot.
These moves put Bannister ahead of many rivals in terms of sustainability. "For temperature-controlled logistics operators, the future is clearly electric, and we're proud to be leading this transition," Owens said. Michael Lowe, CEO of Sunswap, praised the company's approach: "Bannister Transport's commitment demonstrates visionary leadership in sustainable logistics. The data from their existing Endurance units confirms this technology can deliver the reliability and performance needed for demanding delivery cycles while dramatically reducing emissions and costs."
Founded in 1965 in the Vale of Evesham, Bannister Transport has evolved from supplying the fruit and vegetable trade into a nationwide provider of chilled logistics. The company is BRC-accredited and holds DTAS and Soil Association certifications. Sunswap's Endurance platform has completed more than 30 successful trials with major UK logistics firms.
The technology is now in full production and available to operators looking to cut emissions and running costs.
More information:
Bannister Transport - https://www.bannistertransport.co.uk
Sunswap - https://www.sunswap.co.uk
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