ZF finds partner to bring electric trailers to North America
The collaboration will see ZF’s AxTrax 2 e-axle integrated into Range’s eTrailer System to address critical fleet demands, such as greater efficiency, emissions reductions, and range extension. The e-trailer system developed by Range includes a modular battery pack, the ZF AxTrax 2 e-axle, and a smart kingpin equipped with Range’s patented control algorithms.
German-based global player ZF has partnered with tech company Range Energy with the aim of developing and selling electric trailers in North America. The collaboration will see ZF’s AxTrax 2 e-axle integrated into Range’s eTrailer System to address critical fleet demands, such as greater efficiency, emissions reductions, and range extension, with the goal of advancing the widespread scalability of hybrid and zero-emissions trucking.
In addition to supplying its electric axle to Range, ZF will also seek to accelerate Range’s relationships with ecosystem partners, such as component suppliers and integrations with trailer and tractor OEMs. The e-trailer system developed by Range includes a modular battery pack, the ZF AxTrax 2 e-axle, and a smart kingpin equipped with Range’s patented control algorithms. The system is delivering “projected savings of up to $20,000 per trailer per year in early tests, and up to 70 percent reduction in emissions, all while using existing equipment and infrastructure”, according to the partners.
Electric trailers with the help of ZF AxTrax 2
“Time is of the essence to get solutions into the hands of commercial fleet owners and operators to ensure smooth and consistent operations as their fleets evolve to address emissions reduction targets. Partnering with a market leader like ZF, in an effort to seize the electric trailer market in commercial trucking is humbling. With ZF, we aim to rapidly advance our platform with tried and tested components, further proving that electric-powered trailers can play a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of commercial trucking,” said Ali Javidan, CEO and founder, Range.
“We believe electrified trailers are a viable solution to help lower emissions for food delivery or transportation of goods, improve fuel economy for combustion engines in the powertrain, extend the range of BEV and electric trucks, reduce exhaust,noise and brake particle pollution, and further improve total cost of ownership. With Range’s market position, the company was a logical trailer partner for the AxTrax 2 e-axle in North America,” added John Hawkins, senior vice president, Commercial Vehicle Solutions, ZF. “Collaborating with Range not only expands the electric mobility applications of our products, it gives us the opportunity to work with an emerging leader offering a smart solution to emissions in a hard-to-abate sector.”
At the heart of the system is the AxTrax 2 by ZF, an axle-based, fully integrated system, featuring a compact design to help maximize the available space for batteries and enhance manufacturers’ design flexibility for future vehicle concepts. It is designed to be fully synchronized with key vehicle functions, including braking, ADAS and automated driving systems. It also enables advanced digital and telematics systems via CAN bus to communicate and share e-axle system information.
