Einride Refrigerated Freight, 1 Scan Sverige Deal, 500 Farizon Trucks Delivered, and 126 Volvo Trucks Ordered (2021 to 2026)
Refrigerated Fleet Adoption, Einride Pilots and 126 Volvo Orders
The adoption of electric refrigerated trucks has transitioned from small-scale component trials before 2025 to larger, commercially-focused deployments driven by integrated service models and maturing vehicle technology. This shift indicates the market is moving from validating technical feasibility to solving the challenges of economic and operational scale.
- Between 2021 and 2024, industry activity centered on proving the viability of individual technologies. For example, United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) rolled out 53 all-electric transport refrigeration units (TRUs) in May 2021 to test component-level emissions reduction, while Performance Food Group (PFG) initiated a commercial evaluation of Carrier Transicold’s e TRU technology in May 2023.
- From 2025 onward, the focus shifted to integrated, scaled operations. The June 2026 partnership between Einride and Scan Sverige exemplifies this, using a complete “Freight-as-a-Service” (Faa S) model that bundles vehicles, charging, and software. This trend is mirrored in Asia, where Geely’s Farizon delivered 500 electric refrigerated trucks in January 2026.
- The market is now supported by the availability of more capable vehicles. In April 2026, Volvo Trucks launched long-range electric models with up to 700 km of range, directly addressing a primary barrier for cold chain logistics. This is a significant advance from earlier models that prompted large but cautious orders, such as Performance Team’s (Maersk) order for 126 Volvo VNR Electric trucks in 2022.
$40, 000 in US Credits, Einride Incentives for Fleet Electrification
Government financial incentives are a critical enabler for overcoming the high initial capital expenditure of electric refrigerated fleets. These programs have evolved from broad funding initiatives to more targeted grants and operational cost reductions that directly improve the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and accelerate investment decisions for operators.
- The high upfront cost of electric trucks remains a primary adoption barrier, but operational savings are substantial. Energy costs for battery-electric trucks can be over 50% lower per kilometer compared to diesel, and some estimates place the per-mile cost at $0.40 for electric versus $0.70 for diesel.
- In the United States, federal programs directly address the initial purchase price. The Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (Section 45 W) provides a tax credit of up to $40, 000 for heavy-duty vehicles, while the EPA’s Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program offers direct funding for Class 6-8 zero-emission vehicle acquisitions.
- In Europe, financial benefits often focus on reducing operational costs. Zero-emission trucks are frequently exempt from CO₂-based road tolls in many EU countries, creating a continuous financial advantage. Specific countries like the Netherlands have implemented targeted subsidy programs, such as the Aan ZET subsidy, which has helped fund nearly 3, 000 zero-emission trucks.
Table: Government Incentives Supporting Electric Truck Adoption
| Program/Regulation | Region/Country | Incentive Type | Value/Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit (Section 45 W) | United States | Tax Credit | Up to $40, 000 for vehicles over 14, 000 lbs | Best EV Fleet Management Software 2026 | Top 10 Ranked |
| Clean Heavy-Duty Vehicles Grant Program | United States | Grant | Direct funding for the purchase of Class 6-8 vehicles | EV Fleet Federal Tax Credits & Incentives 2026 | Complete Guide |
| CO₂-Based Road Toll Exemption | European Union | Toll Exemption | Exemption from CO₂-based road tolls | E-Trucks: Range, Costs and Charging Infrastructure in 2026 | go-e |
| Aan ZET Subsidy | Netherlands | Subsidy | Programs have funded nearly 3, 000 zero-emission trucks | How Dutch subsidies are driving zero-emission truck uptake |
| Innovative Small E-Fleet Program | California, USA | Incentive Funding | $30 million in available funding for small fleets | Funding > Grants | Clean Trucking |
Einride 1 Scan Sverige Deal, Key Freight Partnerships (2021 to 2026)
Strategic partnerships in the electric freight sector have evolved from component-level integrations before 2025 to comprehensive ecosystem alliances that bundle vehicles, refrigeration units, software, and logistics services. This reflects a market maturation toward providing turnkey solutions for shippers looking to decarbonize.
- In the earlier period, collaborations focused on technology integration. In August 2023, Con Met e Mobility and Penske Logistics partnered to deploy a zero-emission refrigerated trailer using an in-wheel motor to power the TRU. Similarly, Thermo King and Trailer Dynamics joined forces in May 2024 to combine an e-Power axle with a reefer unit to generate and store energy.
- Post-2025 partnerships are more operational and service-oriented. The Einride and Scan Sverige agreement is a prime example, where Einride provides an end-to-end service managed by its Saga software platform.
- The competitive landscape also includes autonomous vehicle developers forming operational alliances. In March 2023, Kodiak Robotics and Forward launched an autonomous trucking service between Dallas and Atlanta, operating 24/6 and demonstrating the commercial readiness of autonomous freight for long-haul routes.
Table: Key Commercial Agreements in Electric & Refrigerated Freight
| Partners | Time Frame | Details and Strategic Purpose | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola & DHL Supply Chain | Nov 13, 2024 | DHL Supply Chain became a customer for Nikola’s hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks, expanding its zero-emission fleet options beyond battery-electric. | Nikola hydrogen-powered trucks lead the market, company says |
| Con Met e Mobility & Penske Logistics | Aug 15, 2023 | Penske Logistics deployed the first zero-emission refrigerated tractor-trailer enabled by Con Met’s system, which generates electricity for the TRU. | Con Met e Mobility Enables First Zero-Emission Refrigerated Tractor … |
| Performance Food Group & Carrier Transicold | May 02, 2023 | PFG initiated a commercial evaluation using Carrier Transicold’s all-electric TRU technology for direct-emissions-free food distribution. | Performance Food Group Pilots Electric Refrigerated Truck |
| Volvo Trucks & Performance Team (Maersk) | Oct 06, 2022 | Performance Team received the first batch of Volvo VNR Electric trucks from a larger order of 126 units to decarbonize its North American operations. | Performance Team deploys first deliveries of Volvo VNR Electric … |
| UNFI & Advanced Energy Machines | May 07, 2021 | UNFI rolled out 53 all-electric TRUs to reduce emissions from its fleet, which accounted for nearly 50% of its direct greenhouse gas emissions. | UNFI Rolls Out All-Electric Refrigerated Trailers | Food Logistics |
Europe vs North America, Einride Electrified Freight Deployments
Europe, particularly Scandinavia and nations with strong subsidy programs, has served as the primary incubator for electric refrigerated freight, while North America is accelerating adoption through large-scale fleet orders and potent financial incentives at both federal and state levels.
- Europe leads in creating a favorable regulatory and operational environment. The Einride and Scan Sverige partnership in Sweden is a key signal. This is reinforced by national policies, such as the Netherlands’ subsidy programs that funded nearly 3, 000 zero-emission trucks, and EU-wide CO₂-based road toll exemptions that provide a direct operational cost benefit.
- North America’s strategy is characterized by large, centralized procurement by major logistics players. Performance Team’s (Maersk) order for 126 Volvo VNR Electric trucks is a prominent example. This is supported by powerful financial levers like the $40, 000 federal tax credit and state-level initiatives like California’s $30 million Innovative Small E-Fleet program.
- Asia is demonstrating the ability to deploy at significant scale. The delivery of 500 electric refrigerated trucks by Geely’s Farizon in January 2026 highlights the manufacturing capacity and domestic market demand in China, positioning the region as a major force in the global electric commercial vehicle market.
Europe Road Freight Market to Exceed $633B
This chart quantifies the significant size of the European road freight market, providing essential context for the section discussing Einride’s freight deployments in Europe versus North America.
(Source: Mordor Intelligence)
Einride SWOT Analysis, Refrigerated Freight Market (2021 to 2026)
The strategic outlook for electric refrigerated freight is shaped by powerful regulatory and corporate demand, but sustainable growth is contingent on overcoming significant infrastructure barriers and high upfront costs. In this environment, integrated service models are emerging as a key competitive advantage that de-risks adoption for fleet operators.
European Road Freight Market is Fragmented
This chart illustrates the fragmented nature of the European road freight market. This is a key external factor for a SWOT analysis, as it presents an “Opportunity” for an integrated and disruptive solution like Einride’s to capture market share from smaller, less efficient incumbents.
(Source: Mordor Intelligence)
Table: SWOT Analysis for Electric Refrigerated Freight
| SWOT Category | 2021 – 2024 | 2025 – 2026 | What Changed / Validated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Lower TCO was theoretical and based on pilot data. Focus was on zero tailpipe emissions. | Lower operating expenditures (OPEX) are being proven in commercial deployments, with energy costs over 50% lower than diesel. Integrated Faa S models (Einride) offer predictable costs. | The TCO advantage is moving from a forecast to a verifiable operational reality, strengthening the business case beyond just emissions compliance. |
| Weaknesses | High capital expenditure (CAPEX) for trucks. Limited vehicle range and charging options were primary concerns. | High CAPEX remains, but the main bottleneck has shifted to the lack of high-capacity charging infrastructure and grid connection delays, which can take years. | The problem is no longer just the vehicle but the supporting energy infrastructure. The bottleneck moved from the truck OEM to the utility and site developer. |
| Opportunities | Rising demand for perishable goods and growth in the refrigerated transport market. Early-stage government grants. | The refrigerated truck market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.55% through 2032. Strong government incentives (e.g., US $40, 000 tax credit) and corporate ESG mandates are now major demand drivers. | Market pull from corporate ESG goals has become as powerful as the regulatory push, creating a dual-catalyst environment for adoption. |
| Threats | Technology immaturity and performance risk of e TRUs in demanding conditions. | Grid connection limitations are a global deployment bottleneck. Established OEMs (Volvo, Daimler) are scaling electric vehicle production rapidly, creating intense competition for tech-first companies. | The competitive threat has shifted from diesel incumbents to large, established OEMs who are now aggressively competing in the EV space with massive scale advantages. |
2026 Outlook, Einride Freight-as-a-Service Model Scaling
The critical factor for 2026 and beyond will be the scalability and economic proof of the “Freight-as-a-Service” model. If providers like Einride can convert initial partnerships into large, multi-year contracts with other major shippers, it will validate this opex-based approach as the dominant pathway for fleet-wide electrification.
- Signal to Watch: The announcement of additional large shippers adopting Faa S platforms from providers like Einride. A follow-on contract from a major food producer or retailer would be a strong validation signal.
- Infrastructure Signal: Progress on deploying high-power (megawatt-scale) charging corridors. The success of long-haul refrigerated routes depends on the availability of this infrastructure, which is currently a major constraint.
- Economic Signal: The publication of verified TCO and uptime data from early commercial deployments like the Scan Sverige partnership. Positive, third-party-validated data would significantly de-risk investment decisions for other fleet operators and accelerate market adoption.
Europe Road Freight Market to Exceed $633B
This chart projects the large and growing value of the European road freight market. This aligns with the “2026 Outlook” and “Scaling” themes by establishing the Total Addressable Market (TAM) that Einride aims to penetrate with its Freight-as-a-Service model.
(Source: Mordor Intelligence)
The questions your competitors are already asking
This report covers one angle of the commercialization of electric refrigerated freight. The questions that matter most depend on your work.
- Einride activities in refrigerated freight. Is the partnership with Scan Sverige progressing from pilot to deployment?
- Which food and grocery operators are adopting Freight-as-a-Service models for refrigerated transport?
- How does Einride’s Freight-as-a-Service model compare to vertically integrated ownership of electric refrigerated trucks?
This report does not answer these. Enki Brief Pro does.
Your question, your angle, your framework. SWOT, PESTL, scenario modelling. The same niche depth, built around the decision your work actually depends on.
