Hitachi Vantara & Rhenus Logistics case study SolarOnTop powers up to 52% of a truck's electrical needs.

Rhenus logistics truck operated by Hitachi Vantara faced the challenge of keeping hotel loads powered during nighttime so drivers could enjoy a comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.

Drivers operate the truck during the day and sleep in the cabin at night. When there was not enough power to run the HVAC system and other comfort loads, these systems shut down or triggered alarms, forcing drivers to wake up and idle the engine. In addition, the tail lift is powered by the engine, which led to increased fuel consumption and higher CO2 emissions.

To address this challenge, Hitachi Vantara equipped its rigid truck for long-distance operations with the onboard solar technology: SolarOnTop. In just one year, SolarOnTop supplied 52% of the truck�s onboard electrical energy needs:

Fuel savings: 1.284 L/year
CO2 reduction: 4.147 kg/year
Happy driver: Increased driver comfort, productivity and safety

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“ In this first year we already see that the SolarOnTop is delivering 60-70% of the energy demand. This Way the alternator is running less hours what also means a higher uptime of our trucks and batteries. This is a big advantage for our customers and employees. Because Heisterkamp can offer all the services a high grade of trust. ”

Heisterkamp Transport B.V

Chief operating officer.

“ Every initiative aimed at reducing emissions deserves careful consideration for its feasibility. Thanks to the SolarOnTop solution, we effectively cut our truck's fuel consumption by a percentage that justifies the investment and enables us to make a step towards a greener environment. ”

Van der Linden Hillegom B.V

Director

“ Thanks to SolarOnTop, we have a fully functional system that allows the driver to enjoy a cooled break and a good sleep without needing to wake up to start the engine. Even with temperatures above thirty degrees, the air conditioning unit keeps running on solar power. With SolarOnTop, our driver experiences a less stressful workweek, and our diesel fuel consumption has decreased, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. ”

Van Rijnsbergen

Anja Van Rijnsbergen, Business Owner

“ Multitrax vehicles are equipped with IM Efficiency's SolarOnTop system. Solar panels are installed on the roofs of the trailers, allowing energy to be stored in the SolarOnTop lithium battery. Thanks to its advanced management system, this energy is used to operate the Dhollandia hydraulic tailboard without the need for tractor power. As a result, loading and unloading operations are greener and quieter, particularly in urban settings. ”

Multitrax

Alberto Maggi, Director

“ We observe an average fuel savings of 4% to 5%. This varies depending on both the use of the tail lift and the number of kilometers driven. An additional advantage is that both the trailer's and the truck's batteries show less wear and tear and need to be replaced less frequently. ”

Vos Logistics Benelux Distribution

Norbert Reijnders, Fleet Manager

Grolsch truck with roof-mounted solar panels generating green energy using SolarOnTop technology

Van der Linden truck with roof-mounted solar panels generating green energy using SolarOnTop technology

Van Rijnsbergen truck with roof-mounted solar panels generating green energy using SolarOnTop technology

Multitrax truck with roof-mounted solar panels generating green energy using SolarOnTop technology

Vos Logistics truck with roof-mounted solar panels generating green energy using SolarOnTop technology