Renault Kangoo ZE refrigerated vans join Petit Forestier

CoolKit, a converter of temperature-controlled panel vans, has delivered five fully-electric Renault Kangoo ZE refrigerated vehicles to Petit Forestier.

The vans have been fitted with CoolKit’s lightweight insulated lining and completed with Carrier Tranisicold’s ultra-slim NEOS 100 refrigeration units.

The electric vehicles have also been fitted with fibre-glass reinforced floor for a smooth hygienic finish within the loadspace and high-intensity LED lighting. Set to perform within a chilled temperature range of 0°C to + 3°C, they offer a payload of 408Kg.

The refrigeration units are powered by an autonomous lithium-ion power source designed specifically by CoolKit. The battery, charged separately through its own charging point, is small and lightweight, and can be incorporated within the vehicle with minimal impact.

Cameron Javed, fleet sales director at CoolKit, said: “Using a standalone power source for the refrigeration units provides up to seven hours of cooling power – depending on the use and application of the vehicle – and a range of around 124 miles. If a customer was relying on the vehicle batteries to drive both the van and the fridge, the range would reduce by around 10%.”

The vehicles support Petit Forestier’s plans for commercially viable solutions that adhere to the UK’s tightening emissions legislation, as well as showcasing the company’s approach to addressing environmental concerns within the industry.

Helder Ribeiro, international development director at Petit Forestier, said: “The all-electric refrigeration solutions are the ideal choice for helping us to create a genuine zero-emissions electric vehicle with enough range to carry out most urban delivery operations.

“We want to be at the forefront of more eco-aware refrigerated transport. This is just one of a number of steps we’re taking to position Petit Forestier as early adopters of realistic alternatives to fossil fuels that will help tackle the toxic emissions in our cities.”