German automotive and industrial tech giant ZF successfully presented its newest electrified trailer breakthrough at the 2023 NUFAM commercial vehicles trade show in Karlsruhe, Germany, in late September 2023.
Electrified trailer breakthrough
According to the press release, ZF developed a groundbreaking technology that incorporates its AxTrax 2 electric axle with a modular battery system box. This integration apparently facilitates improved braking recuperation and traction support.
In effect, the system can electrify heavy-duty diesel-powered trucks into a hybrid unit. This electrification trailer breakthrough claims to deliver a maximum fuel and carbon emission savings of 16%. Meanwhile, the plug-in version increases that benefit to 40%.
“Electrification for trailers is an innovative solution to decarbonize road freight transport in the very near future. Instead of solely being pulled by the truck, the new approach provides additional traction while generating fuel savings, reducing CO2 emissions and improving sustainability.”
Dr. Bernd Meurer, electric trailer program head at ZF
Industry collaboration
ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) business unit tapped axle manufacturer BPW to co-develop a 100% integrated running gear system for trailer builders featuring ZF’s AxTrax 2 electric axle.
“Every trailer needs a chassis, 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.”
Thore Bakker, General Manager Business Unit Trailer Solutions & Mobility Services at BPW
Trailer builders Kässbohrer agreed to employ ZF’s electrification system in their respective products.
“We look forward to our cooperation with ZF and all our partners furthering electrification application to include all sectors of transport business.”
İffet Türken, Kässbohrer Board Member
Krone Group also expressed their delight with this newly formed partnership that promotes sustainable logistics.
“We are happy to see that well-established partners of the industry like ZF and BPW team up to support the transformation to more sustainable logistics by offering innovative solutions that we as trailer OEMs can integrate into our Trailer Systems. At Krone we are convinced that we can only meet the challenges of the future together – generating the best solutions for our customers.”
Dr. Stefan Binnewies, Board Member of the Krone Group
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ZF’s electric axle for heavy-duty trailers can significantly accelerate the industry’s shift to sustainable mobility. It incorporates cutting-edge technologies to brake control and electrification systems. It is also future-proof and adheres to current industry standards.
ZF expects to launch the first batch of electric trailers in Europe as soon as it secures the necessary regularity classification.
