As the road freight industry accelerates toward low-carbon logistics, electrified trailer technology is no longer a distant European experiment – it’s an emerging market imperative. In Southern Africa, where freight corridors span vast distances and environmental pressures mount alongside infrastructure challenges, solutions that combine reliability with low emissions are gaining traction, like the electric reefers produced by Schmitz Cargobull in Germany.
Fuel cell trucks may still be a few years out for widespread adoption but innovations like electric power take-off (ePTO) trailers and generator-axle cooling units offer a glimpse of a flexible, modular path forward. The recent handover of two such trailers to Tevex Logistics in Germany underscores just how adaptable this technology is, even for demanding temperature-controlled applications. The question now is not if fleets in Southern Africa will follow, but how soon.
Tevex Logistics takes delivery of future-focused reefers
In a major step toward climate-friendly refrigerated transport, Tevex Logistics GmbH has added two state-of-the-art Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated trailers to its fleet – the fully electric S.KOe COOL and the S.KO COOL – fitted with an S.CU d80 cooling unit that supports electric power take-off (ePTO). These are the first units delivered from a broader order of 166 trailers placed during last year’s IAA trade fair.
According to Dirk Mutlak, managing director of Tevex Logistics: “With these two innovations in energy supply, we are enhancing our cutting-edge fleet and making huge strides towards decarbonisation. On this journey, we are investing in all the latest technologies and are very happy with the advanced solutions created by our long-standing partner Schmitz Cargobull. With Schmitz Cargobull refrigerated vehicles, we can achieve considerable CO₂ savings thanks to the outstanding k-value.”
Andreas Schmitz, CEO of Schmitz Cargobull AG adds: “We have enjoyed a successful bond and working relationship with Tevex Logistics for many years now. With the box-body semi-trailers delivered today, we are once again raising the bar for economically efficient and sustainable temperature-controlled transport.
“Our new S.CU d80 cooling unit with an ePTO interface offers maximum flexibility. It is able to run exclusively on electric energy and – thanks to an additional diesel drive – can still guarantee full supply reliability, even in the event of an electrical power failure. As there is no high-voltage battery or electric axle, we are also able to keep investment costs low for the transport company – an important step towards future-viable, sustainable refrigerated transport.”
Flexibility meets functionality: ePTO and battery hybrid systems
The S.CU d80 cooling unit is designed with flexibility in mind. When connected to an electric tractor, the cooling system can operate entirely on electricity supplied through the ePTO. Should the power supply fail, a built-in diesel generator steps in, with the system switching seamlessly between the two energy sources. This dual-power approach makes the trailer ideal for mixed fleets operating in regions with limited charging infrastructure, Schmitz explains.
“The fully electric S.KOe COOL takes things further with a high-voltage battery, integrated electric cooling unit and an energy-recuperating generator axle. With a 32 kWh battery, the trailer can deliver between 4.5 and 18 hours of stand-alone operation depending on load and usage. A CEE three-phase plug enables full recharging from the grid in around two hours, while the generator axle captures braking and kinetic energy to extend battery life on the move,” concludes Schmitz.
Editor’s note: Why it matters for Africa
While the upfront cost of electric trucks remains a hurdle, trailer-based electrification presents a cost-effective entry point for Southern African fleets. Modular solutions like ePTO-compatible cooling units can integrate with diesel or hybrid truck-tractors during the fleet decarbonisation transition phase. By reducing emissions from auxiliary systems and embracing energy recovery, hauliers can chip away at fuel costs and carbon footprints without overhauling their entire fleet overnight. Good news, of course, is that Schmitz Cargobull AG has a presence in South Africa through its 39,05% shareholding in GRW Holdings.
Ends
