Innovative engineering firm Sunswap has entered a partnership with Prodrive to build battery and solar-powered Transport Refrigeration Units (TRUs). Work has already started at Sunswap’s research and development facility in Surrey, where Prodrive and Sunswap engineers are collaborating to optimise the final production unit that will roll off the assembly line in early 2024.
With investment and support from Barclays and Clean Growth Fund, Sunswap has been moving through the final design iterations to bring their cost-effective, zero- emission TRUs to production. Their first customers include global logistics firm DFDS, and they are busy attracting more, after recent successful trials with major distributors such as Mϋller Milk & Dairy.
Sunswap’s partnership with Prodrive signifies bold steps in their mission to support the transition away from diesel TRUs, thereby decarbonising the transport industry’s refrigerated supply chains – as well as removing harmful Nitrogen Oxides and particulate matter from the air we breathe.
Alongside its four decades of world championship motorsport success, Prodrive has transferred its engineering expertise into the automotive, commercial, aerospace and defence markets for the last 30 years. The team at Prodrive will help Sunswap to accelerate their journey to production by leveraging their unique blend of cross sector experience and offering invaluable technological insights and solutions to aid a smooth transition from prototype development to mass production.
“We’re excited to be collaborating with Prodrive to ensure our production units meet the highest manufacturing standards. When we first met them, they immediately gave us confidence, due to their depth of experience and understanding.”
Andrew Sucis, Sunswap co-founder and COO
“We are proud to be working with Sunswap on the manufacture of their units to help deliver the highest level of efficiency and durability. They’re a passionate team dedicated to decarbonising the cold chain industry, and we’re pleased to be part of their innovative journey.”
Iain Roche, Prodrive Advanced Technology Managing Director
