E-trailers: The next step in decarbonizing road transportation?

New environmental regulations are pressuring the logistics industry. How is this impacting trailer manufacturers and logistics companies?
Stricter regulations on emissions and energy use are significantly affecting both trailer manufacturers and logistics companies. One example is the European VECTO regulation, aimed at reducing CO2 emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. It mandates a 15% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2025, with further reductions required by 2030.

Although trailers do not directly emit CO2, the VECTO regulation requires them to contribute to emission reductions. This has raised concerns within the industry, as meeting these targets will necessitate substantial changes to trailer designs.

As a result, trailer manufacturers are driven to innovate and produce more fuel-efficient trailers, while logistics companies will need to adapt by investing in them.

What are e-trailers and how do they contribute to fuel savings and CO2 reduction?
E-trailers are those equipped with electric propulsion systems – e-trailer driveline systems – that are controlled by the tractor unit, actively or passively. They are designed to assist in towing their load by providing additional power to the trailer, thereby reducing the load on the tractor unit. By offering this extra power, they can lower the fuel consumption for the tractor unit and reduce CO2 emissions, particularly over long distances or when hauling heavy loads.

E-trailers typically have onboard batteries that store and supply power to the electric motors. They feature regenerative braking systems that recharge the batteries while in motion. 
When the tractor unit slows down, brakes, or goes downhill, the e-trailer driveline system can convert some of the braking energy back into electrical energy, recharging its batteries. As an added benefit, this can also improve safety and increase the service life of the braking system. 

These trailers are usually integrated with smart control systems that synchronize with the tractor unit to optimize performance, ensuring smooth acceleration, braking, and handling.

Are e-trailers the next big step in decarbonizing road transportation?
Looking ahead, the role of e-trailers in decarbonizing road transport could be transformative. As companies ramp up their efforts to achieve emission-free logistics, e-trailers present a practical electromobility solution that could reduce emissions from heavy-duty vehicles. In combination with other green technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells and fully electric trucks, e-trailers could contribute significantly to creating a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

By serving as a bridge between conventional diesel trucks and fully electric vehicles, effectively converting heavy-duty diesel trucks into plug-in hybrid tractor-trailers through energy recuperation and the addition of a battery, e-trailers offer a viable pathway in the transition toward electrification.

As the logistics industry seeks ways to meet regulations and curb climate change, I believe e-trailers could be the next big step in decarbonizing our transportation.

Volvo Penta can offer a solution for electrified trailers. What opportunities does this bring to the trailer manufacturers and the logistics industry?
Electrified trailers can potentially enable trailer manufacturers to provide logistics companies that can meet emissions-compliant regulations, helping them create fully or partially electrified supply chains. Volvo Penta’s e-trailer driveline system is versatile and compatible with both diesel trucks and e-trucks. When paired with diesel trucks, they can deliver significant fuel savings and reduce CO2 emissions per kilometer*. When integrated with e-trucks, they may extend battery life, potentially reduce charging stops, and enable longer driving routes*. Ultimately, it supports the logistics industry to achieve its sustainability goals and drive toward a cleaner, more efficient future.