Blackburn manufacturer wins national Innovation Award for industry-first EV conversion

Blackburn-based refrigerated vehicle specialist Coolkit has won the Innovation Award at this year’s prestigious What Van? Awards for a conversion developed in conjunction with Ford Motor Company for retailer Fortnum and Mason.

The judges of the national awards said CoolKit had set “a new benchmark for sustainable refrigerated transport” after the business incorporated a concealed refrigeration system on a Ford E-Transit Custom, the first arrangement of its kind on an electric vehicle.

The design, built at the business’s East Lancashire base, resolves a practical issue faced by the retailer, whose Piccadilly car park has a sub-2m height limit that prevents the use of traditional roof-mounted refrigeration units.

Under-vehicle temperature-control systems are common on diesel vehicles but have previously been considered incompatible with electric vans because of battery placement beneath the chassis. 

CoolKit’s engineering team identified an alternative mounting location and designed a bespoke bracket to accommodate the refrigeration unit, impressing the judges against stiff competition. 

The business has been focusing on proving the viability of electric temperature-controlled vehicles, including entering the converted E-Transit Custom into the 2025 Explorer EV Rally, where it finished third overall for energy efficiency.

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.”

CoolKit remains one of Blackburn’s larger manufacturing employers, and the company’s work with national brands and major vehicle manufacturers continues to bring industry attention to East Lancashire.

Lancashire Business View reported in July how Fortnum and Mason partnered with CoolKit, to develop the new van conversion.

The new van conversion was to support its order-to-door premium goods delivery service, operating across central London.

Unveiled at the Commercial Vehicle Show, the van has featured at key brand activities over the summer, including Goodwoof and Royal Ascot, serving up a selection of its fine goods.