Tesco deploys ultra-low-GWP cooling on five trailers
Tesco is introducing five Carrier Transicold Vector HE 19 Low CO2 Emissions refrigeration units as it works to reduce the environmental impact of its refrigerated transport operations. The systems are installed on 13.6-metre Gray & Adams trailers and will support deliveries across the retailer’s UK distribution network.
The units use R454A refrigerant, which has a certified global warming potential of 239. The figure is nearly 90% below the 2,140 GWP associated with R452A, a refrigerant widely used in trailer systems. Carrier says the newer refrigerant maintains equivalent cooling performance, allowing the fleet to pursue emissions reductions without changing its temperature-control requirements.
Engineering for lower-emission operation
The Vector HE 19 platform was redesigned to accommodate the ultra-low-GWP refrigerant while retaining the operating approach of the standard Vector range. Leak-detection sensors monitor the system, while a pump-down function can automatically recover refrigerant if a leak occurs. These features are intended to limit the release of fluorinated greenhouse gases and improve control over environmental risk.
The technology also illustrates the operational requirements behind lower-carbon refrigeration. Carrier Transicold and its service partners have prepared technician training, specialised tools and maintenance equipment for the new refrigerant and related systems. Ongoing technical and operational guidance is included to support reliability after deployment.
Service model supports national distribution
Tesco operates more than 2,900 UK stores. The trailers will carry ambient, chilled and frozen products throughout the national network seven days a week, making dependable refrigeration essential to the rollout.
The five units are covered by Carrier’s BluEdge fixed-cost full-service maintenance package. It includes annual temperature-control testing and certification, regulatory inspections and access to the oneCALL 24/7 incident-management service. For industrial fleet operators, the project points to a practical route for introducing lower-GWP equipment while preserving established service, compliance and uptime processes.
Carrier Transicold supplied the equipment, while Tesco will operate it within its national logistics network.
