Get FinancingIsuzu & Thermo King Debut All-Electric NRR EV Reefer Truck
Isuzu recently announced that the all-electric NRR EV truck with a Thermo King e300 all-electric transport refrigeration unit (TRU), introduced in 2023, will enter production this summer. The collaboration enables the NRR EV’s onboard computer to communicate directly with the Thermo King e300 TRU and supply the power it needs to maintain a desired temperature.
“Our new NRR EV has been the top conversation for the last couple of years. We knew we had a good solution for dry product delivery, but many of our customers also needed refrigerated delivery,” says Shaun Skinner, president of Isuzu Commercial Truck of America. “With all of the intricacies of the powertrain and a new approach to refrigeration, this really shows the power of the Isuzu-Thermo King collaboration. Engineers have worked tirelessly to get this right and customers will appreciate what this truck can do. For Isuzu, this is among the first Class 5 all-electric refrigerated truck offerings, and it will open new doors for us and our brand.”
Isuzu NRR EV Cab & Specs
The NRR EV has Isuzu’s popular low-cab forward design and comes in 132.5-, 150-, and 176-inch (3,365.5-, 3,810-, and 4,470.4-millimeter) wheelbase options for bodies ranging in length from 14 to 20 feet (4.2 to 6 meters). It also has 60-, 100-, 140-, and 180-kilowatt-hour battery pack configurations to provide 60 to 235 miles (96.5 to 378 kilometers) of range.
The electric power take-off (ePTO) has an operating range of 7 to 12 kWh and a peak output of 26 kWh for more demanding tasks. It works without a switch and does not require the driver to change the power level manually. Instead, the truck’s computer communicates directly with the TRU.
Thermo King Reefer Unit Details
The nose-mount Thermo King e300 unit is fully integrated into the truck chassis and can provide cooling for single-temperature applications with minimal impact on the truck’s range. The electric reciprocating compressor maintains a constant capacity while driving and when stationary.
With fewer components, the e300 also requires less maintenance. The refrigerated transport unit uses R-452A refrigerant, which reduces direct carbon emissions by nearly 50% compared to the traditional R-404A refrigerant.
Comfort & Safety
The NRR EV can seat three adults. Its urethane seat cushions and new upholstery keep drivers and passengers comfortable. The driver’s seat back has been raised to accommodate taller drivers, and the hip points on the seats have been lowered for a better position.
The NRR EV is also packed with safety features, including a lane departure warning system, an automatic emergency braking system, and adaptive cruise control. The following distance warning system alerts the driver when the front of the truck is within a certain distance of the vehicle ahead. The forward vehicle start notification informs the driver when the vehicle ahead has moved forward from a stop. The mis-acceleration mitigation system will restrict engine rpm when the truck begins from a stop and an obstacle is detected in front. This helps prevent accidents when a driver inadvertently presses the accelerator pedal more than necessary.
“Thermo King recognizes the power of collaboration for driving industry progress,” says Chris Tanaka, vice president of product management for Thermo King Americas. “Strategic collaborations, such as with Isuzu Commercial Truck of America, underscore our commitment to providing our joint customers with cutting-edge technology that align with OEM developments and propel zero-emission transportation forward.”
Source: Isuzu