How Do Electric Reefers Work?

Temperature-controlled storage is essential for industries like food service, healthcare, floral, and pharmaceuticals. Historically, diesel-powered reefers (refrigerated containers and trailers) were the standard solution. But rising fuel costs, tightening emissions regulations, and high maintenance demands have pushed many businesses to explore cleaner, more efficient alternatives.

Enter the electric reefer—a smarter, more sustainable solution that’s gaining traction across the cold supply chain. In this blog, we’ll break down how electric reefers work, why they’re different from traditional diesel units, and what makes them a better long-term investment.

The Evolution of Cold Storage: From Diesel to Electric Reefers

History of Diesel-Powered Reefers in the Cold Supply Chain

Diesel reefers have been the backbone of cold chain logistics for decades. Their ability to maintain strict temperature controls made them vital for transporting and storing perishable goods. From supermarkets and restaurants to medical supply chains, diesel reefers helped keep products fresh and compliant.

Limitations and Disadvantages of Diesel Units

Despite their effectiveness, diesel reefers come with significant drawbacks. They rely on costly fuel, generate considerable emissions, and require frequent maintenance due to their complex combustion engines. Noise pollution and the logistical burden of fuel delivery further complicate their use—especially in urban areas or at off-grid sites.

The Market Shift Toward Electric Solutions

Today, many businesses are transitioning to electric reefers in pursuit of cleaner, more cost-effective cold storage. Driven by both environmental responsibility and economic efficiency, the market is rapidly embracing electric units as a reliable and scalable alternative.

How Do Electric Reefers Work?

An electric reefer functions much like a large-scale version of a household refrigerator. These units plug into an electric power source and circulate coolant through a closed-loop system to remove heat from the interior.

The process begins with a compressor that raises the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant. From there, the heated coolant moves through a condenser where the heat is expelled. The cooled refrigerant then travels to a separator, which controls the flow rate before it enters the evaporator. Once inside the evaporator, the refrigerant absorbs heat from the reefer’s interior. Circulation fans help distribute the cooled air evenly throughout the space.

Unlike diesel-powered units, electric reefers require no fuel and involve fewer mechanical parts—making them more energy-efficient and less prone to breakdowns.

What Makes Electric Reefers Different?

Electric reefers stand apart from diesel units due to their efficiency, simplicity, and sustainability. While diesel reefers rely on internal combustion engines that require frequent servicing and fuel replenishment, electric units run on clean, consistent electric power. This fundamental difference offers several operational advantages.

Because electric reefers don’t rely on fuel, they eliminate the recurring costs and logistics associated with diesel delivery. They also operate more quietly and produce significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, with fewer moving parts and simpler mechanical systems, electric reefers are less likely to fail—making them more reliable for temperature-sensitive products.

The Benefits of Using Electric Reefers

Switching to electric reefers isn’t just a trend—it’s a strategic decision that offers measurable business advantages. Businesses that transition to electric reefer storage solutions typically see major advantages in cost, reliability, and sustainability. Here’s why:

Cost Savings

• Save up to $50,000 annually in fuel, maintenance, and delivery fees.

• Electric units average 20–30% lower operating costs compared to diesel.

Environmental Impact

• Reduce your carbon output by more than 50% annually.

• Use non-ozone-depleting refrigerants and meet sustainability goals with ease.

Operational Efficiency

• Fewer breakdowns = less risk to your temperature-sensitive inventory.

• All-electric motors mean simpler repairs and lower service demands.

Portabull Storage Has the Electric Reefers You Need

Portabull is a leader in the transition to electric-powered cold storage. We offer a full range of Electric Reefer units designed to fit businesses of all sizes and industries.

From compact 10-foot containers to full-sized 53-foot refrigerated trailers, Portabull electric reefers are available in multiple configurations and can be deployed quickly across the country. All units are supported by 24/7 customer service, nationwide logistics, and flexible leasing options—so you only pay for what you need, when you need it.

Our electric units are not only cost-effective but also engineered for reliability and performance. Whether you're storing food, pharmaceuticals, or specialty goods, Portabull delivers dependable refrigeration with lower costs and reduced emissions.