Carrier Transicold is now offering battery protection as part of its BluEdge service for transport refrigeration units (TRUs) supported by the company’s solar charging system.

“This industry-leading coverage for refrigerated trailers can significantly reduce the risk of premature battery failure while also assuring the battery will be quickly replaced – hassle free, parts and labor included – by Carrier Transicold’s extensive dealer network throughout the U.S. and Canada if it fails to start the TRU within the contract coverage,” said Stuart Johnson, BluEdge commercial lead, Carrier Transicold.

During extended dwell periods, even fresh TRU batteries can be drained by current draw from peripheral devices, including telematics systems that are now widely used by fleets, the company acknowledges.

“Our TRU Battery Protection option helps avoid a leading reason for emergency call-out service, premature battery failure because an out-of-service TRU simply ran out of fuel and couldn’t charge the battery via its alternator,” Johnson said. “Solar panels maintain battery charge without requiring the TRU to run, saving fuel, ensuring uninterrupted performance and helping fleets avoid these inconvenient and potentially costly situations.”

TRU Battery Protection requires a Carrier Transicold unit to have: a BluEdge Core or Elite service plan; a PowerRush wet cell or PowerRush Platinum (AGM) battery; and a Carrier Transicold solar charging system.

TRU Battery Protection also extends the standard warranty of PowerRush wet cells from 18 months to two years.