Carrier unveils first reefer unit with hybrid diesel-electric technology

The Vector 6500 unit’s refrigeration capacity rivals the performance of the top-of-the-line trailer unit from Carrier’s X2 series, which it closely resembles on the exterior. (Courtesy Carrier Transicold)

The Trucker Staff

3/18/2009

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —  Carrier Transicold today unveiled the Vector 6500, North America’s first single-temperature trailer refrigeration unit to take advantage of Carrier’s exclusive hybrid diesel-electric Deltek technology.

The announcement came at a news conference at the Mid-America Trucking Show under way here.

“With its all-electric architecture, the Vector 6500 is a high-performance unit designed for both exceptional reliability and low cost of ownership,” David Kiefer, director of marketing and product management, said. “This next generation unit continues Carrier’s EcoDriven commitment to the refrigerated transport industry, and builds on the success of our hybrid Vector 1800MT multi-temperature unit.”

The Vector 6500 unit’s refrigeration capacity rivals the performance of the top-of-the-line trailer unit from Carrier’s X2 series, which it closely resembles on the exterior.

However the units are very different on the inside, Kiefer said.

The Vector 6500’s streamlined electric architecture eliminates many of the serviceable mechanical components found in conventional systems, and substitutes expanded use of electronics and maintenance-free electrical components. The result is a unit that can reduce maintenance costs over its lifetime, compared to conventional mechanical technologies.

More importantly, unlike a conventional system that runs all mechanically connected components via belts and pulleys whenever the engine runs, the Vector system only powers components needed at any given time, which can save fuel by reducing the engine load.

“Ever since we introduced the Vector 1800MT unit in 2006, our North American  customers have been eagerly awaiting the debut of a single-temperature hybrid suited for today’s 53-foot thin-wall trailers used in long-haul applications,” Kiefer said. “The Vector 6500 will be appreciated by customers interested in taking advantage of green technologies, and especially by those who seek exceptional reliability and low-cost operation – in a sense, ‘saving green,’ too.”