ChargePoint and General Motors Corporati...
December 21, 2024
TrailTrax can generate energy and CO2 reductions of up to 16 percent by recuperation; with up to 40 percent CO2 reductions achieved by Plug-In charging
Date: September 18, 2024
Hanover, Germany- At IAA 2024 in Hanover, ZF's new electric trailer concept, TrailTrax, is set to reduce carbon emissions by integrating its 210kW AxTrax 2 e-Axle, trailer EBS, and battery system into trailers. Manufacturers like Kässbohrer and Krone, along with axle supplier BPW, are adopting TrailTrax technology. Kässbohrer will showcase an electrified trailer featuring this system, underscoring the industry's shift toward ZF's innovative solution.
ZF’s TrailTrax system offers propulsion and brake energy recuperation, delivering up to 16% energy and CO2 savings with ICE trucks, and up to 40% with plug-in charging. Central to this is the AxTrax 2 electrified axle, which, when integrated into a trailer, converts an ICE truck-trailer setup into a hybrid and extends the range of electric vehicles.
Dr. Bernd Meurer, who is responsible for the TrailTrax program at ZF, said, “TrailTrax technologies offer significant potential to reduce operational costs and CO2 emissions in road freight transportation. Energy losses, including brake friction, air drag, and rolling resistance, are major causes of fuel inefficiency, but with our TrailTrax concept, we can make a big difference.”
“Successfully managing this transformative technology will require the combined efforts of all industry players. We are pleased to see our technologies are gaining traction among leading trailer manufacturers as well as fleet operators across the globe, who recognize the potential that TrailTrax can bring towards achieving sustainability goals.”
At IAA Transportation 2024, trailer manufacturers are showcasing electrified trailers with ZF's TrailTrax technologies. ZF is collaborating with Kässbohrer on an electrified curtainsider featuring TrailTrax, which will be on display. Krone is also presenting its own solution, including a reefer trailer equipped with TrailTrax, capable of reducing CO2 emissions by up to 40%. These innovations highlight the growing interest in ZF's electrified trailer solutions.
Ms. İffet Turken, Executive Board Member of Kässbohrer said, “We highlight the importance of a wide ecosystem of innovation and partnerships to advance the trailer industry towards sustainability. We are proud to collaborate with ZF in the safe and efficient integration of their electrified axle, EBS systems, and battery pack into our trailers. Our prototyping is carried out at our state-of-the-art European R&D center with the goal to present customers an electrified trailer that both delivers on operational ease and efficiency and can be seamlessly integrated into their regular business operations while helping to contribute to CO2 reductions.”
Field tests of Kässbohrer trailers are expected to commence from 2025 across Europe under the ZEFES (Zero Emissions flexible vehicle platforms with modular powertrains serving the long-haul Freight Eco System) project funded by EU.
Mr. Markus Stegen, Managing Director Product Management and New Markets at Krone Trailer, siad "At Krone, we believe in the importance of electrification in the context of the transformation of the transport sector and work with our industry partners to harness the potential of electrified trailers."
Mr. Markus Schell, personally liable managing partner of BPW said, “Every trailer needs a running gear, suspension and braking technology that can be trusted. With our axles for 7.5t trucks and the generator axles for reefers, we already have a lot of experience regarding the integration of electric drives. It therefore makes perfect sense that ZF, with expertise in drivelines, cooperates with BPW to offer a robust and highly engineered running gear solution with the AxTrax 2 axle for recuperation and traction support for semitrailers that can be easily assembled by trailer builders and is fully trusted by the fleets.”
ZF’s TrailTrax solution is designed to meet future global standards and comply with national and regional regulations. The first electric trailers are expected to enter operation after the relevant regulatory and safety processes have been completed.
