TRUs

ESL Launches eTRUconnect V2 with a Commitment to Continuous Improvement

ESL Launches eTRUconnect V2 with a Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Erika Thorson

CORONA, California, November 2, 2021 – ESL is pleased to announce the release of the eTRUconnect® V2 PS series now with a smaller footprint, easier access and simplified operation.

ESL’s UL Listed eTRUconnect® V2 PS Series provides safe utility shore power to electric or hybrid refrigerated units on truck trailers. Connecting electric or hybrid refrigerated units to shore power eliminates the need of running onboard diesel generators/engines to keep the cargo within the optimal temperature range thus eliminating emissions while loading/unloading or idle. This system results in significant savings attributed to much lower electric energy cost. eTRUconnect’s, safe and simple connection and disconnection procedure allows truck operators to use the system while minimizing the risk of injury and the liability to the facility owner.

eTRUconnect V2

In an effort to continuously improve ESL’s eTRUconnect, the V2 has been redesigned to fit into tight spaces between dock doors. For staging yard installations, the eTRUconnect V2 can easily be mounted on a pole or rack with the optional mounting kit.

Powering on the eTRUconnect is now simplified with the new V2 “actuation” handle. Just like with the original eTRUconnect, ESL’s solution cannot be energized until the 4-pin female plug and the truck-trailer inlet are completely mated.

A new optional LED beacon light and the option to integrate with dock door signaling or wheel restraining systems have also been upgraded additions to the eTRUconnect V2.

Like the original eTRUconnect design, the V2 relies on a safety-circuit loop to ensure safe connection and energization. Our innovative design does not require 2 extra pilot pins at the connector. A connection detection device is embedded in the safety-interlocked IEC female plug installed at the end of the cable.

All original safety features are included in the V2 including unintended drive-off and electrical branch circuit protection. In the case of a drive-away, the eTRUconnect V2 PS Series has connections within the enclosure that easily pull apart, shutting power off within milliseconds, minimizing equipment damage and eliminating the risk of injury. For electrical protection, ESL’s eTRUconnect V2 contains a 3-pole molded case circuit breaker (available at multiple AIC ratings) that protects against overloads and short circuits. In addition, the eTRUconnect V2 now offers ease of access through the front of the enclosure with a simplified turn key system.

Utilizing the eTRUconnect® V2 provides substantial improvement in efficiencies and meets all SmartWay™ requirements, helping to improve the environmental impact of the trucking industry. For additional information and downloadable specification sheets visit etruconnect.com.

eTRUconnect for TRU's

Additional ESL eTRUconnect® Models Approved for the Charge Ready Transport Program

Erika Thorson

After being the first manufacturer of eTRU docking stations to be approved by Southern California Edison for its Charge Ready program, SCE has approved 5 additional ESL eTRUconnect models for inclusion in its landmark campaign.  The new models address an industry need to power 240V units, standard ISO Refrigerated Containers, and to daisy-chain up to 4 units from the same electrical circuit.

In addition to providing EV charging infrastructure, SCE’s Charge Ready Transport Program also provides funding initiatives for installation of eTRU infrastructure to its commercial customers. Through this program, SCE’s goal is to advance the vision for a clean energy future while providing medium- and heavy-duty fleet owners the opportunity to save money. The program is offering opportunities such as, no-cost installation of electric infrastructure or giving businesses the option to install, own, operate and maintain the infrastructure on site for a rebate up to 80% of cost. SCE is also offering special incentives such as commercial rate options that make EV charging and TRU shore power more affordable during certain times of the day. Connecting electric or hybrid refrigerated units to ESL’s eTRUconnect truck-trailer shore power eliminates the need of running on board diesel generators/engines to keep the cargo within the optimal temperature range. This results in significant savings attributed to much lower energy and maintenance cost.

“Being the first eTRU standby connection solution on SCE’s Charge Ready Transport Approved Product List (APL) is a great honor for ESL. With the additional products available to SCE’s customers we are now confident we will be able to address the various requirements in this space,” commented Carlos Valero, Director of Commercial Operations. “Even though there is no mandated standard for eTRU connections, the vast majority of the industry has adopted the standard IEC pin and sleeve connectors for hybrid refrigerated trailers.  We believe that having a pin and sleeve solution that is non-proprietary provides customers the added benefit of utilizing the inlet that comes already installed with most OEM equipment – making the transition to electrify fleets more economical. The additional offerings will support multiple stakeholders in their efforts to electrifying on site infrastructure. Improving the environmental impact of the trucking industry is paramount to ESL and we are dedicated to listening to our customers who are the source of all our innovation efforts.”

A TRU Hybrid Future

Transport Refrigeration Units, commonly referred to as TRUs, are refrigeration systems that are typically powered by internal combustion engines. TRUs control the environment of temperature-sensitive products that are transported in refrigerated trucks, trailers, railcars and shipping containers. TRUs are used to transport and store many products such as food, pharmaceuticals, plants, medicines, and chemicals.

Some companies use TRUs for extended cold storage. Distribution centers and grocery stores may run out of cold storage space in their buildings and then opt to store overflow goods in TRU-equipped trucks and trailers outside their buildings. Distribution centers, truck stops and other cold storage facilities also attract large volumes of TRUs that contribute to higher localized health risks. New regulations are developing concepts to reduce emissions from facilities with TRU activity by transitioning to zero-emission operation where practical.

In addition to SCE’s infrastructure programs, CARBs Clean Off-Road Equipment Voucher Incentive Project (CORE) features a streamlined voucher process for buyers to receive funding to offset the adoption costs of clean, commercial ready zero-emission equipment including transport refrigeration units, cargo-handling equipment, and more. CARB is also offering eligibility opportunities to offset electricity costs through the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) Program which is designed to encourage the use of cleaner low-carbon fuels in California, encourage the production of those fuels, and therefore, reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Charge Ready Transport, LCFS and CORE are some of the many incentives available in California that provide opportunities to reduce your organization’s carbon footprint and improve the air quality of your community all while cutting operation and maintenance costs to your fleet.

Get ahead of the competition; learn more about SCE’s Charge Ready Transport and reducing greenhouse gas emissions here: https://crt.sce.com/overview

If you’re interested in learning how ESL can help provide safe utility power to electric or hybrid TRUs check out our eTRUconnect:  https://eslpwr.com/etruconnect/