Refrigeration for road transport is entering a phase in which electrification no longer concerns only the commercial vehicle itself, but also its refrigeration system. At IAA Transportation 2026, Thermo King focused on this transition, presenting three new solutions: Advancer S, E-Volution S and E-Volution Undermount. The new product for semi-trailers is the Advancer S, an update to the Advancer platform, the A-Series range, which introduces a low-GWP refrigerant. The aim is to combine the lower environmental impact of the refrigerant with the unit's operating efficiency. The new unit retains the approach of the Advancer family, developed to reduce energy consumption during operation while maintaining consistent cargo temperatures.
The second debut is the E-Volution S range, a fully electric unit for large trucks, now also available with a low-GWP refrigerant. The technology eliminates the dedicated diesel engine traditionally used to power refrigeration, reducing fuel consumption and local emissions. The third new product is the E-Volution Undermount, a fully electric under-chassis unit that Thermo King targets at food and grocery deliveries, activities often carried out in urban areas where noise and exhaust emissions are particularly important. The configuration expands the options for integrating refrigeration systems into trucks and allows electrification to be adapted to different vehicle architectures.
One point highlighted by Thermo King during the presentation is that electric refrigeration does not necessarily require a battery-electric vehicle. E-Volution units can be installed on both battery-electric commercial vehicles and vehicles fitted with internal combustion engines. This is an important factor for fleets making a gradual transition and operating vehicles with different powertrains at the same time. The three new products form part of an electric portfolio that the manufacturer displayed across all vehicle categories: the E-Series for light commercial vehicles, expanded with new models; the E-Volution family for trucks; and, for semi-trailers, the Advancer-e unit, together with modular battery packs. Thermo King also offers fleets adopting electric technologies a rental option through Thermo King Rental.
On semi-trailers, refrigeration electrification also involves energy recovery. With AxlePower, energy generated while the semi-trailer is moving and braking is recovered through the axle and used to recharge a battery that powers the electric Advancer-e unit. Kinetic energy is therefore converted into electricity for refrigeration, eliminating the need for the small independent diesel engine used by conventional units. The system is already commercially available for both purchase and rental.
For fleets that still use diesel units, Thermo King offers EcoMode on the Advancer family. The system adjusts unit operation to the actual requirements of the load, providing refrigeration capacity only when needed while maintaining temperature control. The manufacturer estimates fuel savings of up to 50% compared with continuous operation, although results vary depending on the application and operating conditions. The range on display also included hybrid solutions, units compatible with HVO biofuel and new options using low-GWP refrigerants. The new units are integrated into Thermo King's digital ecosystem. Connected Solutions enable remote monitoring of refrigeration units and the collection of operating data, providing an information base for maintenance, performance monitoring and fleet management.
Massimiliano Barberis
