CoolKit, the UK’s largest refrigerated transport specialists, has received the innovation award for its unique electric refrigerated van conversion of a Ford E-Transit Custom for retailer Fortnum & Mason.
The Blackburn-based manufacturer was lauded for its innovation in the electric vehicle space, with the What Van? Awards judges describing its work as ‘a new benchmark for sustainable refrigerated transport’.
CoolKit converted the Ford E-Custom for temperature control by incorporating a concealed refrigeration unit under the chassis of the Ford E-Transit Custom, the first arrangement of its kind on an electric vehicle.
The under-mounted unit addressed a fundamental requirement of Fortnum & Mason as tight height limits and a sub-2m clearance in its London car park meant a traditional roof-mounted alternative was unworkable.
Under-mounted units, while common on diesel vans, had previously been untenable for electric vehicles due to the presence of the battery packs under the chassis.
CoolKit identified a workable location and designed a bespoke bracket to position the refrigeration system under the vehicle, creating an industry-first.
Sustainable alternatives to diesel vans have been a key focus for CoolKit, with innovation being a core pillar of its ethos as a business.
CoolKit went to significant lengths to prove the viability of temperature-controlled solutions for electric light commercial vehicles, entering a converted Ford E-Custom into the 2025 Explorer EV Rally and ranking third overall for energy efficiency.
Daniel Miller, CoolKit’s Managing Director, said: “This is a special award for the team at CoolKit. Innovation and sustainability are at the heart of everything we do, so to be recognised for something so fundamental to our identity is truly humbling.”
Rupert Gatty, CoolKit’s Founder and Chief Executive, said: “The automotive industry has long been challenged to address its environmental impact, and it has been a primary goal of ours as industry leaders to provide a sustainable alternative for refrigerated transport.
Winning the Innovation Award means a great deal to us. It’s recognition that our approach to manufacturing is delivering real, workable solutions. And for this to come in our 20th year makes it especially satisfying for everyone at CoolKit.”
What Van?’s annual awards is one of the light commercial vehicle sector’s premier awards, with globally recognised brands like Kia and Mercedes-Benz vying for honours.
