ASKO VEST AS, Western Norway’s largest wholesale warehouse for groceries and subsidiary of NorgesGruppen, has partnered with Thermo King, a leader in transport temperature control solutions and a brand of Trane Technologies, to advance its electrified and environmentally friendly distribution network. As part of their commitment to sustainability, ASKO VEST AS now operates new electric city and drawbar trailers refrigerated with Thermo King’s electric V-1000 and Frigoblock HKi systems independently powered by E-COOLPAC battery packs.
ASKO VEST AS’ initiative aligns with their goal of a fully electric vehicle park by the end of 2026. Having commenced the transition from diesel to electric vehicles in 2021, ASKO VEST AS is now pioneering the use of independent electric refrigeration systems. This effort includes electric drawbar trailers featuring Thermo King’s V-1000 units and battery-electric city trailers equipped with Frigoblock’s HKi units to operate across Bergen, Tromsø, and Oslo.
The refrigeration units are powered by the Thermo King 70kWh and 105kWh E-COOLPAC battery packs that enable a chassis-independent, fully electric, and autonomous operation, ensuring reliable and efficient temperature control suited for various distribution needs. The E-COOLPAC battery power technology is designed, tested and manufactured by AKSA, a Swiss developer and manufacturer of energy systems Thermo King has partnered with.
“Our decades-long partnership with Thermo King has consistently driven us towards innovative solutions that enhance our operational efficiency while reducing our environmental footprint,” said Martin Knappskog, equipment manager at ASKO VEST AS. “We are not afraid of trying new technology as soon as it’s available to make our operations as environmentally friendly as possible. The integration of Thermo King electric units with battery packs for our trucks and trailers is a crucial step in our journey towards reducing emissions and operational costs, without compromising our ability to deliver fresh and high-quality products to customers.”
“Our long-standing partnership with ASKO VEST AS spans over 30 years and exemplifies our shared vision of innovation and environmental stewardship,” said Jozsef Torok, Thermo King area sales manager for Denmark, Finland and Norway. “By integrating and adapting our electric refrigeration solutions to meet ASKO’s needs, we are supporting their transition to a zero-emission fleet and setting new standards for sustainability in the refrigerated transport sector. Together, we are driving positive change and contributing to a greener future.”
Providing electric solutions for refrigerated transportation is part of Thermo King’s and Trane Technologies’ overall approach to reducing carbon emissions. It aligns with the company’s bold 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons.