eTRU charging

Understanding Plug Compatibility: Why Standardization Matters for Hybrid TRUs

Erika Thorson

As more fleets adopt electric standby for refrigerated trailers, one of the most important (and most overlooked) considerations is plug compatibility. The type of inlet on a TRU determines what it can safely plug into, what power it can accept, and whether it will work reliably across a mixed fleet.

Confusion often arises because containers, trailers, and box trucks all use different connection configurations, and not all connectors are interchangeable. Standardization is what keeps operations safe, efficient, and compliant, especially as electrification accelerates across the cold chain.

This guide breaks down the differences, what standardization actually means, and how operators can avoid costly compatibility issues.

Why Plug Compatibility Matters for eTRUs

Electric transport refrigeration units (eTRUs) rely on a dedicated power inlet that must match the electrical configuration of the equipment providing shore power.  When an unstandardized or unrecognized connection type is used, facilities can risk:

  • Unsafe electrical connections
  • Incorrect grounding or phase alignment
  • Equipment that cannot be powered
  • Higher installation and maintenance costs, specially with expensive proprietary equipment
  • Increased downtime

Standardization ensures that eTRUs across different makes and models can be powered safely and consistently.

Why Different Refrigerated Equipment Uses Different Plugs

This occurs when a trailer first connects to shore power and must pull the temperature of the trailer down to the required temp.
Although refrigerated containers, box trucks, and trailer TRUs all rely on electric power, they do not use the same connector. Each type of equipment is designed with its own electrical configuration, ensuring it can only be connected to the appropriate power source.

This matters because it prevents equipment from being plugged into a circuit with the wrong voltage, amp, or configuration.

Refrigerated Containers

Containers use IEC 60309 connectors, but with different ratings and configurations than trailer TRUs. Even if they look similar, they are not compatible, which prevents incorrect use.

Box Trucks

Many box trucks operate on 50A, 240V systems. These require their own dedicated infrastructure or a specialized unit that can deliver both 480V and 240V, but typically cannot connect to the receptacles used for trailer electric standby.

These differences are intentional. They help keep equipment protected and ensure that only properly matched systems are connected.

Avoiding Proprietary Plug Systems

OncWhile standardized IEC connectors support consistent, cross-fleet compatibility, some systems use proprietary multi-pin connectors, including 6-pin variations. These require specialized parts, limit compatibility, and increase long-term cost compared to standardized configurations.

Choosing non-proprietary connectors keeps operations flexible and supports mixed fleets without tying facilities to a single supplier or hardware ecosystem.

Want a deeper technical look at plug types,
OEM compatibility, and electrification planning?

Explore our eTRU Webinar Series

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How ESL Supports Standardized, Non-Proprietary Operation

ESL’s eTRUconnect® system is built around the standard IEC 60309 trailer connector, ensuring compatibility with electric-standby-equipped TRUs across major OEMs.

Key advantages include:

  • Universal TRU compatibility using standardized IEC connectors
  • Safety-interlocked design that cuts power during disconnect
  • Integrated branch-circuit protection for safe operation
  • Durable, outdoor-rated construction for harsh yard environments
  • Dual drive-off protection to prevent equipment damage

This standardized, non-proprietary approach ensures facilities can electrify confidently and support mixed fleets without costly customization.

Planning eTRU Shore Power Infrastructure With Compatibility in Mind

Not every trailer operates at peak load simultaneously. Most facilities see a predictable mix:

Choosing standardized IEC trailer connectors provides clear benefits when expanding or upgrading electric standby infrastructure:

  1. Cross-Fleet Flexibility
    Any trailer with a standard IEC inlet can connect to any compatible position.
  2. Operational Simplicity
    A single connector type reduces training needs and minimizes operator errors.
  3. Lower Total Cost of Ownership
    Standard parts minimize long-term maintenance and replacement costs.
  4. Future-Ready Design
    As fleets evolve, standardized connectors ensure new equipment remains compatible.

Why Standardization Is the Smartest Path Forward

Standardizing around IEC 60309 connectors provides a safe, scalable foundation for electric TRU adoption. Using a widely supported, non-proprietary connection system gives facilities the flexibility to support mixed fleets, adapt as equipment evolves, and protect their infrastructure investment.

Whether electrifying a few positions or an entire yard, standardization keeps operations reliable and future-ready.

Ready to Simplify Electrification for Your Fleet?

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eTRU Power Requirements Explained: How Much Energy Does an Electric Reefer Use?

Erika Thorson

Electrifying refrigerated trailers is one of the most effective ways facilities can reduce diesel consumption, cut emissions, reduce maintenance, and meet ongoing compliance requirements. Before investing in electrification, facilities need to understand how much power an eTRU uses, what it means for operating costs, and how those requirements impact ROI.

This article breaks down real-world eTRU power needs, what facilities should expect across common operating conditions, and how to plan electrical capacity that supports both today’s fleets and the next generation of refrigerated trailers.

How Much Power Does an eTRU Use?

Electric TRUs draw different amounts of power depending on whether they’re actively cooling down a trailer or maintaining its temperature. These modes directly influence how yards, warehouses, and distribution centers plan electrical capacity.

Pulling Down Temperature (Heavy Load)

This occurs when a trailer first connects to shore power and must pull the temperature of the trailer down to the required temp.

Typical power demand:

  • 15 to 17 kW
  • Duration: 45 to 60 minutes per cycle

This is the peak load a facility should account for when designing electrical capacity.

 Maintaining Temperature (Light Load)

Once a trailer reaches its target temperature, it enters a steady operating mode that represents the majority of TRU runtime.

Typical power demand:

  • 8 to 12 kW
  • Represents 80 to 90 percent of operating hours

This range is the most important for planning continuous load availability.

How eTRU Power Use Compares to Diesel TRUs

Understanding energy demand is only part of the equation. Many facilities also want to know how electric standby compares directly to diesel operation.

Here’s what changes when a TRU runs on electricity instead of diesel:

✔ No fuel burn during idle

A diesel TRU typically consumes close to a gallon of fuel per hour while maintaining temperature. Electric standby removes that consumption entirely.

✔ Lower operating cost per hour

Electricity is consistently less expensive than diesel across most commercial markets, leading to significantly lower hourly operating costs.

✔ Less engine wear

Reduced idling helps extend engine life and cut maintenance costs by reducing run hours.

✔ Cleaner and quieter operation

Electric standby eliminates diesel exhaust and reduces noise, improving working conditions and community impact.

See How Much Your Facility Can Save With Electric Standby

Run the numbers for your operation and compare diesel costs to electric power.

Calculate your Savings

Why These Power Levels Matter for Infrastructure Planning

Not every trailer operates at peak load simultaneously. Most facilities see a predictable mix:

  • A few trailers in temperature pull-down
  • The majority maintaining temperature
  • Several unplugged, staging, or moving

Understanding this natural diversity helps avoid oversizing or undersizing electrical systems and ensures consistent power availability without unnecessary cost.

Circuit and Power Requirements for eTRUconnect

Electric standby systems rely on clean, consistent power delivery, and that’s exactly what eTRUconnect is designed to support. The system integrates the key electrical requirements needed for reliable TRU operation, including:

  • 480VAC service to provide power to TRU’s
  • 30 A branch circuits sized specifically for electric standby
  • Built-in branch circuit protection for safe, compliant operation
  • Safety-interlocked connectors that automatically cut power during disconnect

These design elements help ensure safe operation, protect equipment, and provide the dependable power TRUs need during both pull-down and temperature maintenance.

How to Estimate Your Yard’s Power Needs

Facilities can get a clear picture of required electrical capacity with a simple three-step approach:

  1. Count Your Connection Points
     Include docks, yard positions, and any planned expansion areas.

  2. Estimate How Trailers Typically Operate
    Most sites have a mix:  some pull-down, some maintain temperature, and some are unplugged or staging. Determine your general mix.

  3. Apply the Expected Power Ranges
    • Pull-down: 15–17 kW
    • Maintain: 8–12 kW

This gives a realistic view of both peak demand and everyday continuous load. Leaving extra capacity helps accommodate fleet growth and future electric TRU technology.

Future Proofing: Planning for What Comes Next

Today’s electric standby TRUs operate within predictable power ranges, but the next generation of battery-electric TRUs will require more capacity, new connector types, and smarter power management. Preparing for these shifts now can help facilities avoid costly retrofits later.

Looking ahead, operations should expect:

  • Higher AC power needs
  • More diverse charging and connector standards
  • Increased demand for monitoring and load management
  • Greater emphasis on scalable infrastructure

Building electrical systems with future capacity in mind allows facilities to transition smoothly as technology evolves, regulations tighten, and more electric-powered equipment enters the market. Electrification is accelerating across the cold chain, and yards that plan ahead will be positioned to support both today’s eTRUs and the fully electric fleets of tomorrow.

Ready to Plan Electrification for Your Facility?

Our team can help you evaluate power needs, infrastructure requirements, and long term growth planning.

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What Is eTRU and How Does It Support Cleaner Cold Chain Operations?

Erika Thorson

Refrigerated transport is one of the most critical links in today’s supply chain, but it’s also among the most energy-intensive. For decades, diesel-powered transport refrigeration units (TRUs) have been the standard for keeping cargo at temperature in trailers and box trucks.

Now, as fuel costs climb and emissions standards tighten, the cold chain industry is shifting toward a cleaner, smarter solution: electric transport refrigeration units, known simply as eTRUs.

What Is an eTRU?

An electric transport refrigeration unit (eTRU) allows a refrigerated trailer or truck to maintain temperature by plugging into the local electrical grid instead of running its diesel engine.

When connected to a truck shore power system such as ESL Power Systems’ eTRUconnect®, the TRU draws roughly 20kWof electricity, enough to power its cooling system efficiently while idle at a warehouse, terminal, or cold storage yard.

In short: eTRUs replace fuel burn with electricity, reducing emissions, operating costs, and maintenance, without compromising performance.oom for error. If a shore power connection fails, ships can’t run as planned and valuable cargo could be delayed or put at risk.

Why Electric Standby Matters for Fleets and Facilities

Every hour a diesel TRU idles, it burns close to a gallon of fuel and adds hours of engine wear. Switching to electric standby changes that equation:

  • 50–65% lower running costs compared to diesel
  • 20–30% longer engine life from reduced idle time
  • ROI in 12–18 months 

For distribution centers managing multiple trailers, these efficiencies translate into thousands in annual savings, and a faster path to sustainability compliance.

Check out our eTRU Webinar Series for a deeper look at fleet electrification, compliance planning, and real-world implementation strategies. 

Reducing Emissions and Meeting Compliance Goals

Electrifying TRUs has quickly become a key part of how fleets meet evolving emissions rules.
Agencies such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and local air districts (AQMD) are mandating cleaner operations across the supply chain.

Running TRUs on electricity instead of diesel helps facilities align with:

  • CARB’s Zero-Emission TRU Rule:  requiring new zero-emission TRUs by 2031–2035
  • AQMD Rule 2305:  reducing emissions from warehouses over 100,000 sq. ft.
  • Corporate sustainability initiatives linked to greenhouse-gas reduction targets

And there’s a community benefit too: electric standby eliminates noise pollution, improving air quality and working conditions for nearby residents and employees alike.

Sustainability That Pays Back

Electric standby systems aren’t just cleaner and cost efficient, they can generate revenue.

Through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS), fleets that replace diesel with electricity earn credits for every kilowatt-hour used, typically worth $0.07–$0.10 per kWh. These credits can be reinvested into additional electrification projects or used to offset operating costs.

Across the U.S. and Canada, utilities also support truck shore power adoption with:

Regional incentives in states like California, Missouri, Texas, and Oregon

Infrastructure rebates covering design and installation

Up to 50% cost coverage on qualified equipment

Safety and Engineering Built for Real-World Use

Cold chain yards are tough environments exposed to weather, heavy traffic, and constant use. That’s why ESL’s eTRUconnect® is engineered for safety, compliance, and durability in the field:

  • UL/cUL Listed and NEC-compliant construction
  • Safety-interlocked connectors that disable power during disconnect
  • Dual drive-off protection that cuts power automatically if a trailer  pulls away.
  • Corrosion-resistant, NEMA 3R enclosures built for harsh conditions

These features protect both operators and equipment, helping facilities prevent downtime, avoid repairs, and maintain continuous operation.

For a deeper look at how eTRU systems operate and what to consider during implementation, check out our guide What You Need to Know About eTRU.

Future-Proofing the Cold Chain

Electrification doesn’t stop with hybrid TRUs. Battery-electric TRUs are the next step, and the infrastructure you install today lays the groundwork for that transition.

Facilities equipped with 240 V or 480 V eTRU systems already have the right platform for tomorrow’s charging systems. By planning ahead, operators can avoid costly retrofits while staying ahead of:

  • Stricter CARB emission mandates
  • Utility capacity upgrades
  • Customer and ESG reporting requirements
  • Future Products and technology that will require additional infrastructure

Forward-thinking facilities that electrify now will be best positioned to meet future standards, and win contracts with sustainability-focused shippers.

Did you know?

A regular eTRU can save about one gallon of diesel every hour when operating on electric standby. That translates to major cost and emissions savings, preventing roughly 20 pounds of CO₂ emissions for every gallon of diesel avoided, with facilities often seeing ROI in about a year.

Powering a Smarter, Cleaner Supply Chain

Adopting eTRU systems is one of the most practical ways fleets can cut emissions, control costs, and meet new regulations, all without disrupting operations.

With over 30 years of electrical engineering experience and more than 300,000 connection points deployed, ESL Power Systems provides proven, safety-certified solutions that help fleets electrify with confidence.

Ready to See What Electrification Could Mean for Your Facility?

Connect with our team to discuss power requirements, infrastructure options, and available incentives.

Schedule a Quick Conversation

Range Energy and ESL Power Systems Partner to Advance Shore Power Charging Solutions for Electric TRUs and Trailers

Erika Thorson

Under the partnership, Range is evaluating the interoperability and use of ESL’s shore power and charging solutions to advance the commercial adoption of electric trailers 

Mountain View, Calif. — April 23, 2025— Range Energy, a pioneer in commercial trucking electrification, today announced a partnership with ESL Power Systems, Inc. (ESL), a manufacturer of safe and reliable shore power and electric TRU charging solutions, to provide affordable, practical, and scalable charging solutions for Range’s advanced eTrailer System, which turns large diesel trucks to hybrid-electric. The partnership concretely highlights the opportunity to leverage existing shore power infrastructure and affordable charging hardware to support the transition of commercial trucking fleets transition to electric and hybrid-electric operations

As part of the collaboration, Range will work towards adding an ESL charging solution to its portfolio of practical electrification offerings. In preparation for this, the companies will conduct interoperability testing, ensuring seamless integration and optimizing charging efficiency electrified trailers. 

Additionally, Range and ESL will engage with air quality regulators on projects to demonstrate the commercial feasibility of using the Range system in real-world operations, as well as to showcase the environmental and operational benefits of electrified transport refrigeration unit (TRU) fleets operating within California. 

To support this, ESL will contribute 480V 3-phase charging hardware for installation at fleet sites, which will be used throughout the duration of the demonstration projects. Following completion of the projects, the chargers will be owned by the relevant fleet sites, further supporting long-term zero-emission electric fleet operations. 

“Collaborating with ESL represents a critical step towards electric and hybrid-electric commercial fleet operations,” said Ali Javidan, CTO and founder, Range Energy. “By demonstrating the real-world feasibility of affordable alternating current (AC) charging to support electric and hybrid-electric fleet operations, we are proving that practical electrification solutions exist today.”

“Fleet operators are increasingly looking for dependable and scalable charging infrastructure to support electrified operations. We are fulfilling that need by providing a high-performance charging solution that enables Range’s system to seamlessly integrate into fleets’ daily operations,” said Jonathan Daou, Product Manager, ESL. “This is important to ensure that the integration of electric equipment doesn’t negatively impact fleet operations, while simultaneously supporting commercial trucking’s transition to electric power for a more sustainable future.” 

About Range Energy

Range Energy accelerates the electrification of commercial transportation through its innovative system that converts diesel trucks to hybrid electric, enabling fleets to transition to electric transportation with no operational disruption. Designed to integrate seamlessly with any commercial tractor-trailer, Range’s integrated hardware and software delivers immediate fuel efficiency gains, lower emissions, and enhanced vehicle performance and safety. The system also provides electric power for refrigerated trailers, which is critical for operators to reduce diesel costs. Founded in 2021, Range Energy is backed by leading investors, including UP Partners, R7, Yamaha Motor Ventures, and others.

For more information, visit https://range.energy.

About ESL

For over 30 years, ESL has provided more than 300,000 electrical connection points worldwide across various industries, supporting their clean energy initiatives. As a leader in developing, manufacturing, and integrating advanced power system solutions for the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry and renewable energy applications, ESL offers a robust portfolio ranging from high-efficiency charging stations to innovative power management systems—driving the future of sustainable transportation.  

For more information, visit our eTRUconnect® Shore Power System for electric and hybrid refrigerated trailers product page.

Media Contact:
Kate Gundry
range@pluckpr.com 
617-797-5174

Erika Thorson
ethorson@eslpwr.com
951-739-7000