ZF, a global leader in driveline and chassis technology, has showcased its latest electrified trailer concept at the NUFAM commercial vehicles trade show in Karlsruhe, Germany. The innovative ZF electrified trailer solution integrates the AxTrax 2 electric axle with a modular battery system box to enable recuperation and traction support.
A Hybrid Solution for Heavy-Duty Diesel Trucks
One of the standout features of the ZF electrified trailer system is its ability to recuperate energy during braking, effectively transforming a heavy-duty diesel truck into a hybrid vehicle. This transformation results in substantial benefits, including up to 16% fuel and CO2 savings, while an optional plug-in variant can achieve remarkable savings of up to 40%. Furthermore, the system extends the range of zero-emissions electrified heavy trucks.
Growing Industry Interest
ZF’s electrified trailer concept is gaining traction as industry interest continues to grow. ZF’s Commercial Vehicle Solutions (CVS) division has announced a collaboration with BPW to offer a fully integrated running gear system for trailer builders, incorporating ZF’s AxTrax 2 electric axle. Prominent trailer manufacturers Kassbohrer and Krone will also begin integrating ZF’s pioneering electrification system into their platforms.
Dr. Bernd Meurer, responsible for the electric trailer program at ZF, expressed the innovative nature of this solution that 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, he added.
Thore Bakker, General Manager Business Unit Trailer Solutions & Mobility Services at BPW, highlighted the collaborative effort saying 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.
Highly Integrated and Efficient System
The ZF system is designed as a highly integrated solution, simplifying the integration of electrified technologies into trailer platforms. It utilizes braking energy recuperation to recharge batteries, achieving 16% fuel and CO2 savings. When combined with an internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered truck, the Plug-in Hybrid version can reach impressive fuel and emissions savings of 40%.
Future-Ready and Compliant
ZF’s electrified trailer solution is built to meet future standards and comply with national and regional regulations. While regulatory classification is pending, the first electric trailers are expected to soon operate on EU roads.
The ZF electrified trailer concept represents a significant step forward in sustainable and efficient freight transport, aligning with the global push for cleaner and more environmentally friendly transportation solutions.