Electrified & Lightweight Semi Trailers Key To Battery-Powered Freight - CleanTechnica

The article discusses the innovative approach of electrifying semi trailers rather than tractors to reduce emissions and improve efficiency in freight transport across Europe. Trailer Dynamics, a German company, has developed an electrified semi trailer called the eTrailer, which features an electric axle with two motors, individual wheel control, and integrated batteries managed via the trailer kingpin. This design allows the eTrailer to assist both diesel and battery-electric tractors, reducing fuel consumption by up to 50% on challenging routes and increasing the range of battery-electric tractors from about 400 km to over 800 km. The system uses real-time data and sensors to optimize performance and ensure safe operation, supporting but never independently propelling the tractor. Despite its benefits, the eTrailer comes at a significantly higher cost than conventional trailers, with prices ranging from €140,000 to €220,000 depending on battery size, compared to €30,000 to €80,000 for standard trailers. To address this, Trailer Dynamics primarily offers the eTrailer