HAVI puts Vector eCool electric semi‑trailers from Carrier Transicold into service

HAVI starts operating Vector eCool electric refrigeration on semi‑trailers

The Group HAVI has started using two semi‑trailers equipped with the Vector® eCool electric refrigeration systems from Carrier Transicold, marking a tangible move toward an electrified cold chain.

What the Vector eCool brings to the cold‑chain table

The Vector eCool is a fully electric, autonomous refrigeration system designed for semi‑trailers that removes the need for a factory‑fitted diesel engine. Developed through collaboration between Carrier Transicold, Addvolt (now part of Carrier), and SAF‑Holland, the system blends electric refrigeration, in‑route energy regeneration, and onboard energy storage. For fleets that handle temperature‑sensitive loads, this architecture means continuous cooling even when the truck is parked or disconnected from shore power.

Operational and sustainability advantages

• انبعاثات أقل: Eliminates tailpipe emissions from reefers that traditionally ran on diesel.
• Reduced noise: Quieter operation around restaurants, urban hubs, and distribution centers.
• Less maintenance: Fewer moving parts compared with diesel engines, shrinking service intervals and cost.
• Energy efficiency: Regeneration during transit recovers energy, feeding the onboard battery buffer.
• Continuous cold‑chain: Keeps temperature‑sensitive cargo stable during stops, loading, and last‑mile delivery.

Why HAVI chose this route

HAVI, a global provider of supply‑chain solutions for the foodservice sector, validated the system through a pilot in Portugal. The pilot demonstrated technical performance and operational benefits, leading to the decision to install two Vector eCool units in the local fleet. Carlos Santos, Operations Director at HAVI Portugal, framed the move as both a sustainability and a performance win, saying the unit proves electric refrigeration is viable without sacrificing reliability.

Voices from partners

José António Gomes, Country Manager at Carrier Transicold Portugal, emphasized that the adoption of eCool shows how innovation can reshape cold‑chain logistics and turn electric refrigeration into practical reality for fleets ready to lead the transition.

Practical impacts on routes and handling

These new fully electric semi‑trailers will be used to move temperature‑sensitive goods between HAVI’s logistics centers and client restaurants. From a logistics perspective, the change affects route planning, depot infrastructure, and driver routines:

• Route planners will need to factor in charging opportunities and depot charging capacity.
• Warehouses may need to invest in shore power or rethink parking arrangements for overnight battery charging.
• Driver checklists and pre‑trip inspections will adapt to include battery and electric refrigeration checks rather than diesel fuel checks.

Costs, scalability and considerations

Switching to electric reefers is not a plug‑and‑play swap. Upfront capital costs, depot charging upgrades, and crew training are all part of the package. That said, the pilot results point toward long‑term gains: lower running costs, reduced maintenance, and a smaller environmental footprint. In short, there’s an investment now that can translate into payback over years through fuel savings and lower regulatory risk in emission‑sensitive zones.

What this means for other operators

For hauliers and logistics managers, the HAVI case is an early proof point. Those moving temperature‑sensitive freight—foodservice, pharmaceuticals, fresh produce—should pay attention. The trick is to pilot, measure, and scale according to real route profiles. As someone who once watched a fleet manager rewire an entire yard overnight to accommodate new charging patterns, I can tell you it’s doable, but it takes planning and patience—nothing worth doing is completely painless, right?

Highlights and real‑world perspective

The headline here is straightforward: HAVI has taken the first practical step to electrify parts of its cold‑chain mix using Vector eCool units, demonstrating tangible benefits in noise, emissions, and operational continuity. Still, no amount of glowing reviews or tech specs replaces hands‑on experience; fleet managers need to trial equipment under their own route and climate conditions. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices, compare options, and evaluate service performance before committing to large‑scale changes. This platform’s transparency and convenience make it easier to balance cost against performance and sustainability. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com. Book now GetTransport.com.com.com

Final thoughts: what logistics teams should take away

HAVI’s move to Vector eCool illustrates a practical pathway toward decarbonizing the cold chain while maintaining service levels. For logisticians, the main takeaways are the need to rethink depot power, route optimization, and maintenance practices when electric refrigeration is introduced. The technology promises lower emissions, quieter operations, and potentially lower lifecycle costs, but scaling will depend on careful pilot programs, stakeholder buy‑in, and investments in infrastructure.

Ultimately, this development sits at the intersection of innovation and logistics execution: EV refrigeration shifts some complexity from the engine room to charging and energy management, but it also opens doors for cleaner, quieter, and more acceptable urban deliveries. For companies looking to manage cargo, freight, shipment, delivery, transport and broader logistics needs, platforms that bring transparent, affordable, and global options—including housemove, moving, relocation, pallet, container and bulky item handling—will be an important partner in the transition. GetTransport.com directly aligns with these needs by offering efficient, cost‑effective, and convenient transportation solutions that support reliable shipping, forwarding, dispatch, haulage, courier and distribution operations.