Transport refrigeration original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and fleet operators are rapidly responding to stringent low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant regulations across major markets. These measures are driving significant equipment redesign, procurement adjustments, and updates to servicing infrastructure.
Carrier Transicold has received the 2025 Truck & Trailer Welt Award in the CoolChamp category for its Vector HE 19 trailer refrigeration unit. This model integrates a low-GWP refrigerant (GWP below 250) and supports biodiesel fuels such as B100 or HVO, achieving a minimum 73% annual CO₂-equivalent reduction per unit while maintaining cooling performance and reliability. Other OEMs are advancing similar initiatives to comply with emerging requirements. A recent European study under the EU ENOUGH Project found that refrigerated trucks in the EU currently use about 1.6 TWh/year of primary energy and emit approximately 2.1 Mt CO₂-equivalent annually. The study estimates high-TRL low-GWP technologies could decrease carbon intensity by up to 72% and reduce air pollutants by 90%.
Background
Global regulatory momentum is increasing. In the EU, the F-Gas Regulation enforces hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-down, requiring leak detection, refrigerant recovery, technician certification, and a transition to lower-GWP alternatives such as CO₂ (R-744), hydrocarbons, and A2L blends in transport refrigeration. These requirements have raised supply costs and spurred OEM design innovation. In the U.S., the AIM Act mandates sharp HFC production cuts through 2036, and new EPA rules are expected to accelerate adoption of low-GWP refrigerants in transport refrigeration. Together, these regulatory frameworks are influencing procurement and retrofit strategies throughout the cold chain.
Details
Carrier's Vector HE 19 retrofit demonstrates tangible emissions reductions by integrating low-GWP refrigerants and renewable fuels, securing CO₂ savings with no loss in system capability. The EU ENOUGH Project findings, reported by the Italian National Research Council, detail opportunities for lower emissions and improved efficiency across OEM fleets.
Fleet operators increasingly assess retrofit costs against fuel savings, emissions penalties, and asset value retention. In Europe, certification and technician qualification requirements are extending to new refrigerants, prompting OEMs to enhance service networks and technical training. Retrofits at transport hubs and depots-including installation of high-pressure CO₂ system pumps and charging stations for A2L refrigerants-are underway to support ongoing fleet transitions and maintain cold-chain reliability.
Outlook
Ongoing regulatory action in the EU, U.S., and APAC will accelerate OEM adoption of low-GWP systems through 2027. Fleet procurement decisions will focus on total cost of ownership, emphasizing emissions and compliance. Investments in service networks and depot upgrades will continue alongside the rollout of new refrigerant standards.
