ZF's TrailTrax Electrified Trailers Reducing Emissions
ZF, a global technology leader, is pushing the boundaries of commercial transportation with its electrified trailer system, TrailTrax.
Launched at the IAA Transportation 2024, TrailTrax integrates ZF’s AxTrax 2 e-Axle and advanced control systems to enhance trailer efficiency.
This innovation aims to drastically cut CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, driving the future of sustainable transport.
As trucks improve fuel efficiency, trailers have become a focal point for further emission reductions.
ZF’s TrailTrax, showcased under its new brand name at IAA Transportation 2024, offers an advanced solution for electrified trailers.
The system uses ZF’s proprietary AxTrax 2 e-Axle, trailer EBS and a battery system, transforming standard trailers into hybrid systems when paired with internal combustion engine (ICE) trucks.
This innovation allows for a 16% reduction in energy and CO2 emissions through recuperation and up to 40% with plug-in charging.
Prominent trailer manufacturers such as Kässbohrer, Krone and BPW are already integrating TrailTrax technologies into their designs. Kässbohrer, in particular, will display its electrified trailer featuring TrailTrax at IAA Transportation 2024, marking a growing interest in this cutting-edge solution.
ZF's solution tackles inefficiencies
ZF’s electrified trailer concept addresses significant inefficiencies in road freight transport, including energy losses from brake friction, air drag and rolling resistance.
“TrailTrax technologies offer significant potential to reduce operational costs and CO2 emissions in road freight transportation,” says Dr. Bernd Meurer, Head of the TrailTrax programme at ZF.
ZF’s technology doesn’t just target operational inefficiencies but also provides a path to hybrid solutions for existing fleets.
The integration of TrailTrax effectively turns ICE truck-trailer combinations into hybrids and extends the range of fully electric vehicles, providing flexibility to fleet operators transitioning towards cleaner transport solutions.
Industry-wide support for TrailTrax
Leading trailer manufacturers are adopting ZF’s TrailTrax to meet growing demand for sustainable solutions. Kässbohrer’s electrified curtainsider, featuring TrailTrax, will be a highlight at IAA.
Krone, another key player, is presenting its own electrified trailer using TrailTrax technologies. Krone’s reefer trailer, equipped with the system, showcases the efficiency gains that can reduce emissions by up to 40%.
Collaboration is crucial to the success of ZF’s electrified solution.
“We highlight the importance of a wide ecosystem of innovation and partnerships to advance the trailer industry towards sustainability,” says İffet Turken, Executive Board Member at Kässbohrer.
She emphasises that Kässbohrer’s partnership with ZF focuses on integrating the AxTrax 2 axle, EBS systems and battery packs to deliver operational efficiency and emissions reductions.
Additionally, field testing of Kässbohrer’s electrified trailers will begin across Europe in 2025, as part of the EU-funded ZEFES (Zero Emissions Flexible Vehicle Platforms) project. These tests aim to demonstrate the operational ease and CO2-reducing capabilities of the system under real-world conditions.
Future of electrified trailers
ZF’s electrified trailer system is aligned with future global standards and is designed to meet both national and regional regulations. Following the necessary regulatory approvals, the first fully electric trailers equipped with TrailTrax are expected to hit the road soon.
Krone’s Managing Director for Product Management, Markus Stegen, also recognises the importance of electrification in the broader transformation of the transport sector.
“At Krone, we believe in the importance of electrification in the context of the transformation of the transport sector,” he says. Krone is working with ZF and other partners to leverage TrailTrax for a more sustainable future.
BPW, a key supplier in the trailer industry, is also collaborating with ZF to integrate the AxTrax 2 axle into its systems.
BPW Managing Partner Markus Schell says, “It makes perfect sense that ZF, with expertise in drivelines, cooperates with BPW to offer a robust and highly engineered running gear solution.”
As ZF continues to develop its TrailTrax solution, it is clear that electrified trailers will play a critical role in reducing emissions in the commercial vehicle sector, advancing sustainability goals and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.
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