FGasFreeLIFE is a European project funded under the LIFE Programme, aiming to develop a new generation of refrigeration systems for temperature-controlled transport based on natural refrigerants as an alternative to fluorinated gases, while also eliminating PFAS.
The project focuses on electric light commercial vehicles (e-LCVs) up to 3.5 tonnes used in urban and regional cold-chain logistics, combining fleet electrification with more efficient refrigeration systems with a lower environmental impact.
The project
Conventional transport refrigeration systems largely rely on fluorinated refrigerants. Their energy consumption is also particularly relevant for electric vehicles, as refrigeration can affect the vehicle's available range.
FGasFreeLIFE addresses these challenges by developing a heat-pump refrigeration system using an ultra-low charge of natural refrigerant, based on hydrocarbons such as propane (R290) and propylene (R1270), instead of conventional HFCs or HFOs. The solution aims to eliminate the use of fluorinated gases and PFAS in the refrigeration system.
The solution also integrates predictive controls, innovative components and technologies designed to improve energy management and defrosting. It is designed to provide both cooling and heating under a wide range of climatic conditions, meeting the requirements of temperature-sensitive goods transport.
Objectives
FGasFreeLIFE has two main objectives:
to industrialise refrigeration units using natural refrigerants for installation on electric light commercial vehicles used in cold-chain logistics;
to demonstrate their environmental impact under real operating conditions, through small-scale pilot fleets in different European climate regions.
Pilot activities will take place in Italy, Austria, France and Sweden, providing real-world data from different climatic and operating conditions.
Innovhub SSI's role
Innovhub SSI contributes its expertise in analysis and experimental testing.
In particular, Innovhub is responsible for carrying out independent analyses and tests on the components of the newly developed refrigeration system, contributing to the evaluation of the solution developed within the project.
Partnership
FGasFreeLIFE is coordinated by PBX GmbH, an Austrian company specialising in refrigeration systems for light commercial vehicles.
The consortium includes CNR – National Research Council, Institute for Construction Technologies (ITC-CNR), Innovhub – Stazioni Sperimentali per l'Industria and Cluster Lombardo della Mobilità (CLM).
Project information
Programme: LIFE – Programme for the Environment and Climate Action
Call: LIFE-2025-SAP-CLIMA-CCM
Coordinator: PBX GmbH
Duration: 36 months
Start date: 1 July 2026
Pilot countries: Italy, Austria, France and Sweden.
The FGasFreeLIFE – Fluorinated GAS FREE LIFE project is co-funded by the European Union under the LIFE Programme.
