ZF introduces an electrified trailer concept to reduce carbon emissions

By Staff Report September 18, 2024 4:55 pm

ZF’s TrailTrax electric trailer concept aims to reduce carbon emissions in the trailer industry by integrating its 210kW AxTrax 2 e-Axle, trailer EBS, and battery system box into trailers.

ZF’s electric trailer concept, TrailTrax, showcases its 210kW AxTrax 2 e-Axle, trailer EBS, and battery system box, integrating into a trailer, as trucks become more fuel-efficient. This innovative technology aims to further reduce carbon emissions in the trailer industry. Leading trailer manufacturers, including Kässbohrer, Krone, and BPW, are integrating ZF’s TrailTrax technologies into their vehicles—a trend that will be further exemplified by Kässbohrer’s presentation of an electrified trailer at the IAA.

ZF’s TrailTrax system offers driving propulsion and brake energy recuperation, generating up to 16% energy and CO2 savings when combined with an ICE-powered truck. It can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40% with plug-in charging. The system integrates ZF’s electrified axle, AxTrax 2, into a trailer running gear, converting an ICE truck-trailer combination into a hybrid and extending the electric vehicle’s range.

Dr. Bernd Meurer, 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 recognise the potential that TrailTrax can bring towards achieving sustainability goals.”

ZF and Kässbohrer are partnering at IAA Transportation 2024 to showcase their electrified trailers equipped with TrailTrax technologies, including their electrified curtainsider, which features the TrailTrax system integration, showcasing their innovative solutions. Krone, a trailer manufacturer, is showcasing its TrailTrax technology at ZF’s outdoor booth. The electric Krone trailer, which can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40%, showcases the potential efficiency gains achievable with ZF TrailTrax technologies.

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 centre with the goal to present customers with 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 in 2025 across Europe under the ZEFES (Zero Emissions Flexible Vehicle Platforms with Modular Powertrains Serving the Long-Haul Freight Eco System) project funded by the EU.

Markus Stegen, Managing Director Product Management and New Markets at Krone Trailer, said, “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.”

Markus Schell, personally liable managing partner of BPW, said, “Every trailer needs 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.