A new refrigerant, a new transport refrigeration unit, a clear signal: With the S.CU dc90, Schmitz Cargobull is responding to regulatory requirements and rising demands for sustainability in transport. What lies behind the switch to R454A and which additional solutions the manufacturer will present at Solutrans 2025 is shown by a look at the trade fair premiere in Lyon.

The new transport refrigeration unit S.CU dc90 from Schmitz Cargobull uses R454A as standard for the first time and thereby meets future requirements for emissions reductions in temperature-controlled transport. | Image: Schmitz Cargobull
The new transport refrigeration unit S.CU dc90 from Schmitz Cargobull uses R454A as standard for the first time and thereby meets future requirements for emissions reductions in temperature-controlled transport. | Image: Schmitz Cargobull
2025-11-04

With the transport refrigeration machine S.CU dc90, Schmitz Cargobull is introducing a new cooling unit that is for the first time standard-equipped with the refrigerant R454A. The refrigerant exhibits a clearly lower global warming potential (GWP) than the previously used refrigerant standard R452A. According to the manufacturer, the CO₂ equivalent is reduced by 89 percent. The introduction takes place against the backdrop of tightened European requirements on the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases. The aim is to reduce emissions and to avoid future supply bottlenecks or cost increases due to regulatory quotas.

Transport refrigeration machine S.CU dc90 replaces

model S.CU dc85

The new unit replaces the model S.CU dc85. A newly developed, hermetically sealed two-stage piston compressor forms the technical core of the system. Schmitz Cargobull states an increase in cooling capacity of up to six percent and a reduction in fuel consumption of up to ten percent compared with the predecessor model. The hermetic construction is intended to reduce maintenance susceptibility in the refrigeration circuit. In partial-load operation, noise emission also decreases. The unit is approved for operation with the synthetic diesel fuel HVO100 (according to EN15940). The drive is provided by a common-rail diesel

engine from Hatz with an extended speed range.

Presentation at the Solutrans 2025 trade fair

The S.CU dc90 will be presented to the public for the first time by Schmitz Cargobull as part of the commercial vehicle trade fair Solutrans 2025. The event takes place from 18 to 22 November in Lyon. Schmitz Cargobull presented there under the lead theme “Delivering Performance” a selection of current vehicle solutions as well as digital offerings for fleet management.

In addition to the cooling machine, the company will also show at Solutrans 2025 among other things the S.KO COOL. The semi-trailer

box is equipped with the new unit and features a FERROPLAST insulation, interior monitoring, and the telematics system TrailerConnect. For distribution transport, the S.KO CITY is introduced. It is equipped with the S.CU d80, which is prepared for electric operation with tractor units. Other exhibits are the curtain-sided semi-trailer S.CS X-TOUGH with reinforced floor and the motor tipper M.KI for construction site use.

In addition, the company informs about digital services and spare parts solutions. The goal of the shown products and systems is, according to the manufacturer, to reduce operating costs, improve transparency, and increase efficiency in