The new S.CU dc90 transport refrigeration unit from Schmitz Cargobull - for greater performance and lower energy consumption

• Up to 6% increased refrigeration capacity*
• Up to 10% lower fuel consumption*
• 89% less CO2 equivalence due to the lower direct GWP value of the refrigerant R454A
• Optional ePTO ready interface

January 2026 - Schmitz Cargobull is the first manufacturer to use the refrigerant R454A and introduces it as standard in the S.CU modular system in Europe.

With the new S.CU dc90 transport refrigeration unit, Schmitz Cargobull is consistently driving further development towards efficiency, sustainability and future-proofing temperature-controlled transport. The new unit replaces the proven S.CU dc85 in Europe and offers technical innovations that meet the increasing demands on performance and environmental compatibility. The new S.CU dc90 is characterised by up to 6% higher cooling capacity and up to 10% lower fuel consumption compared to the predecessor model S.CU dc85.

Against the backdrop of increasing regulatory requirements in the EU - such as the stricter F-Gas Regulation - the reduction of environmental pollution is becoming even more important. In the coming years, the EU plans to gradually reduce the quotas for refrigerants with a high CO2 equivalent. As a result, prices for the refrigerant R452A, which has been used up to now, are expected to rise. This is not a ban on R452A in transport refrigeration units, but a measure to significantly reduce the CO2 emissions of the refrigerants used.

With the introduction of the refrigerant R454A in the S.CU modular system in Europe, Schmitz Cargobull is reacting early to the stricter EU F-gas regulation and is thus emphasising its commitment to low-emission transport solutions. The refrigerant R454A is a future-proof alternative and has a significantly lower direct GWP value (Global Warming Potential). This reduces the CO2 equivalent by 89% compared to the previously used refrigerant R452A.

The new S.CU dc90 achieves a higher cooling capacity with lower fuel consumption. This is made possible by the newly developed, hermetic two-stage reciprocating compressor, designed to significantly reduces maintenance and repair costs in the refrigeration circuit. In addition, the reduced noise development - especially in partial load operation - leads to noticeably more comfort in the cab.

In practice, the S.CU dc90 delivers up to 6% more cooling capacity and thus achieves a pull-down time that is up to 21% shorter. In concrete terms, this means that the S.CU dc90 cools the cargo area of the trailer from +30°C to -20°C around 30 minutes faster than its predecessor, the S.CU dc85. The higher performance ensures faster cooling, shorter running times and therefore noticeably reduced fuel consumption.

The S.CU dc90 continues to use the thermodynamically optimised Hatz common-rail diesel engine with an extended speed range. It delivers improved performance and can be operated as usual with the CO2-neutral fuel HVO100 (EN15940).

"With the S.CU dc90, we are offering our customers a future-proof solution that combines high cooling capacity with efficiency and sustainability. The refrigeration unit not only stands for technological progress, but also for our aspiration to help shape temperature-controlled transport in a sustainable way," says Jonathan Steckel, Head of Product Management at Cargobull Cool GmbH & CO. KG.

 

Cost-efficient transformation in refrigerated transport: the S.CU transport refrigeration unit with ePTO ready interface

Schmitz Cargobull is the first trailer manufacturer and market leader for refrigerated bodies to offer a diesel-powered transport refrigeration unit from series production that can be operated emission-free via the tractor unit's electric power take-off tractor unit. Both the S.CU d80 and the new S.CU dc90 are optionally available ex works with an ePTO ready interface (electric Power Take Off) and enable purely electric operation in combination with an electric tractor unit.

This solution represents a cost-effective alternative, as there is no need for an additional high-voltage battery in the trailer. This means maximum flexibility in a mixed fleet: the trailer with a refrigeration unit with an ePTO interface can be used regardless of the tractor unit's drive type. The automatic switchover from electric to diesel operation ensures additional operational safety. If no electrical energy is available, the integrated diesel generator set takes over the supply of the refrigeration machine and ensures continuous operation.

*compared to the predecessor model