The focus on sustainability in the heavy transport sector is growing, driven by increasing concerns over climate change, air pollution, and the environmental impacts of traditional transportation systems. A critical part of this shift is the move towards zero-emission transport refrigeration units (TRUs), which play a vital role in temperature-controlled logistics, especially for food, pharmaceuticals, and other perishable goods. Traditionally powered by diesel engines, TRUs have been significant contributors to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and local air pollution.
That’s where Sunswap comes in
Sunswap has developed Endurance, a zero-emission alternative for TRUs that doesn’t compromise on performance, efficiency, or reliability. While traditional TRUs rely on diesel, Endurance uses a combination of battery and solar power.
At Move Energy, we are committed to backing innovative software and hardware ventures that contribute to the decarbonisation of the power, transport, and building sectors. Sunswap seamlessly fits into our investment portfolio. We believe Sunswap stands out among both traditional TRU developers and other innovative TRU start-ups. Here’s why we chose to invest.
Endurance: A game-changer for an industry reliant on diesel
What sets Sunswap apart is its innovative approach to developing a solution from the ground up, unburdened by the limitations of traditional diesel technology. Sunswap has meticulously engineered Endurance with a focus on minimizing energy consumption without compromising cooling power or durability. This results in both sustainability and economic benefits for customers.
Endurance’s quiet operation ensures peaceful deliveries, particularly in noise-sensitive areas. Impressively, the unit can run solely on solar power for up to two months in certain chilled delivery cycles. For more demanding frozen delivery routes or during periods of limited sunlight, Endurance’s modular battery system ensures uninterrupted cooling and can be recharged easily using standard shore power.
A key advantage for operators is Endurance’s significantly lower operational costs. Without a diesel engine, the need for expensive fuel is eliminated, and maintenance requirements are reduced. This translates to substantial savings over the unit’s lifetime.
This blend of sustainability and economic viability is exactly what we look for in our investments.
Growing market opportunity
Sunswap has already demonstrated the effectiveness of its technology through successful trials with leading companies such as Tesco and Müller. These trials showed that Endurance delivers superior performance and a lower total cost of ownership compared to traditional diesel units. The business has a growing customer base, including equipment services provider TIP Group, shipping and logistics giant DFDS, and several leading UK operators. We are confident that Sunswap will continue to fuel this expansion into wider Europe.
An outstanding team
We are not only impressed by Sunswap’s technology but also by the founding team behind it: Michael, Nikolai, and Andrew. These three complementary founders have built not only an impressive product but also a company poised for rapid growth. Crucially, they’ve demonstrated the ability to attract a passionate, high-performing team, which we believe has the potential to make Sunswap a great success.
At Move Energy, we highly value teams that are as dedicated to making an impact as we are, and Sunswap is no exception. We are thrilled to be part of their journey!