[Video] eTrailer, Range Energy successfully completes winter testing in Northern Michigan
Engineers evaluated the system’s ability to operate on ice and snow, and deliver superior handling and stability in the most demanding environments. Improvements were seen across vital safety evaluations including braking distance and anti-jackknifing tests. Range Energy allows large diesel trucks to turn into hybrid electric.
American pioneer in commercial trucking electrification, Range Energy, has successfully completed rigorous winter testing of its advanced eTrailer System, which turns large diesel trucks to hybrid electric. The testing was conducted in Northern Michigan, where engineers evaluated the system’s ability to operate on ice and snow, and deliver superior handling and stability in the most demanding environments. Improvements were seen across vital safety evaluations including braking distance and anti-jackknifing tests. The video below shows some highlights of the testing activities in Michigan.
Through its collaboration with ZF, Range ensures that its system integrates seamlessly with existing braking and stability control systems. Testing confirmed that these systems work together cooperatively to make the combined tractor and trailer safer and easier to control.
Range Energy’s eTrailer under challenging conditions
During testing, engineers ran a sequence of trials to assess how the system behaves on low- and variable-friction surfaces, fine-tuning the controls in real-time. Sensors were installed throughout the truck and trailer to monitor the vehicle and capture data to improve the system. One of the key focuses of the testing was Range’s in-house traction control system, which assists the trailer when traction is limited, helping drivers maintain operations without degrading stability. Braking performance was tested to guard against disrupting the ABS system and achieve decreases in braking distance beyond baseline trailer performance.
“Our recent winter testing confirmed that Range’s system significantly enhances safety and performance under adverse conditions. We can assist the tractor in both acceleration and braking when traction is limited and control the combination more predictably than a traditional trailer,” said Ali Javidan, CTO and Founder, Range Energy. “We’re pleased with the driver feedback that we’ve received on the system – it increases predictability, helps when traction is limited, and makes driving a truck and trailer in extreme conditions feel easier and safer. One of our main goals is to support driver confidence with our advanced system while reducing the needed trailer modifications.”
