eNow Wins Grant from San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District for Diesel Free, Solar Powered, All Electric Truck Refrigeration Unit
August 18, 2016—Warwick, RI and Fresno, CA—eNow, a leader in renewable energy solutions for the commercial trucking, RV and marine industries, today announced that it has received a $400,000 grant from the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD)—also referred to as the Valley Air District—to deploy its air pollution and greenhouse gas reducing solar panel solutions in the area’s transportation networks. Challenge Dairy Products, Johnson Truck Bodies, and Emerson are also involved in the project. The truck involved deploys a diesel free, all electric truck refrigeration unit powered by eNow solar panels and Johnson All Electric (AE) Cold Plate System. As such, these systems are exempt from carbon emissions as defined by the Air Resources Board (ARB).
The proposed project is for the demonstration of an electric replacement for truck refrigeration units. eNow is collaborating with Johnson Truck Bodies to provide the demonstration unit, and Challenge Dairy will operate the demonstration vehicle. The proposed system uses photovoltaic enhanced battery electric refrigeration systems augmented with a hybrid active evaporator/cold plate refrigeration system to provide for a 12-hour route operation. The demonstration system will be sized for a “medium temperature application” suitable for produce or dairy product delivery. Both Emerson and Johnson Truck Bodies will conduct refrigeration system tests in collaboration with eNow and Challenge Dairy defining parameters for remote monitoring.
“We are delighted to be working with the Valley Air District and our partners on this project,” said Jeff Flath, Founder and CEO of eNow. “The District’s approach to reducing air pollution, along with their fiscally responsible practices, is right in line with our core values of People, Planet, and Profit. All parties involved in this project have a substantial track record of not only supporting renewable energy, but of being innovators in the field as well. Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) has made great strides forward in a short time and we are proud to be a part of a project that brings together some of the best elements of EaaS, which in this case combines engineering and electrical finesse with the transportation industry’s most advanced solar panels.”
“Johnson Truck Bodies considers this new innovation to be a big step forward for the refrigerated transport industry and the environment. We are all about developing new electric refrigeration solutions to reduce cost and eliminate emissions which are a benefit to everyone. This project is a natural fit for us,” said Ron Ricci, President of Johnson Truck Bodies. “Harnessing solar power for truck refrigeration systems requires integration of exciting new refrigeration technology and extended battery power making it possible to do what was once thought impractical. With anti-idling laws on the increase, this is bound to become an attractive option for the refrigerated transportation industry in the future”.
As the market leader in designing, developing, and manufacturing solar-based power systems for the commercial trucking, RV, and Marine industries, eNow’s solutions are known for their durability, superior power, low cost and quick return on investment. Over the past several years, eNow has made great progress within the transportation industry, including partnerships with industry leaders such as Dometic Group, Mitsubishi Fuso, Freightliner, and Navistar. The eNow solar solution is sold through OEMs and Aftermarket Dealers.
“Finding new technologies will be the key to the Valley coming into attainment for tough federal air quality standards,” said Seyed Sadredin, Executive Director and Air Pollution Control Officer of the SJVAPCD. “We are excited to support new technologies that improve air quality and are economically advantageous at the same time. This grant definitely fits that criteria.”
“As a Valley company, we are proud and excited to be involved in a project that will provide better air quality for our community, and potentially the world,” said Tom Ditto, Vice President of Foodservice for Challenge Dairy. “Eliminating truck idling for refrigeration and therefore pollution is an innovative and financially responsible way that is key to sustaining a healthy environment for everyone.”
“Emerson is delighted to be part of this program that will be bringing several new and exciting technologies to market that build on Emerson’s already well established environmental stewardship, as well as having such a positive impact the overall efficiency of refrigerated trucking industry” said Joe Summers, Product Planner for Transport & Commercial Controls at Emerson. “This project with eNow & Johnson Truck Bodies brings forward the best of old technologies, and trims out many of the major inefficiencies of today’s refrigeration systems through the use of modern electronics. The refrigeration unit’s unique composition is not only operationally efficient and environmentally clean, but also makes sense from the perspective of true commercial viability for the companies that purchase and use these systems in the real world. The Valley Air District’s generosity and ambition has allowed the development and implementation of innovative technologies that results in a transport refrigeration system, unlike any that have come before it. It is certain to be a game changer in the industry.”
The project is currently in development and is expected to begin testing in September, 2016.
About eNow
eNow’s proprietary solar panel systems use the latest in technology to capture and convert the sun’s energy into useable power. The transportation industry can use this “clean renewable energy”, thereby reducing operating costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Whether you are an OEM, fleet owner, an owner operator or a driver, eNow is the energy solution for the transportation industry. Our goal is to help the industry become more profitable, enhance the driver experience and improve the environment. eNow solar panels capture energy to power HVAC, refrigeration, lift gate, battery charging, and safety lighting.www.enowenergy.com
About the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is a public health agency whose mission is to improve the health and quality of life for all Valley residents through efficient, effective and entrepreneurial air quality management strategies. The Valley Air District is made up of eight counties in California’s Central Valley: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare andthe San Joaquin Valley Air Basin portion of Kern. This project was selected for funding through the most recent solicitation of the District’s Technology Advancement Program (TAP). TAP is a strategic and comprehensive program to identify, solicit, and support clean air technology advancement opportunities in the San Joaquin Valley. www.valleyair.org
Media Contact:
Emilio Dabul
Fastlane on behalf of eNow732-910-8795[email protected]