Range Energy and ZF Join Forces to Scale Electric Trailers Across North American Commercial Fleets
Range Energy (Range), a pioneering company focused on bringing electric-powered trailers to the commercial trucking sector, has announced a strategic partnership with ZF, a leading global technology supplier. This collaboration is set to accelerate the development and adoption of Range’s eTrailer System within the North American trucking industry. By integrating ZF’s AxTrax 2 e-axle into Range’s innovative eTrailer System, both companies aim to meet critical fleet demands, improve operational efficiency, and significantly reduce emissions. The ultimate goal is to advance the widespread adoption of hybrid and zero-emissions trucking solutions across commercial fleets.
The Need for Electrified Trailers in Commercial Trucking
The commercial trucking industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions and fuel consumption. As regulatory pressures and environmental concerns grow, fleet operators are seeking practical solutions to reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining operational efficiency. Electrified trailers present an innovative opportunity to address these concerns without requiring an entirely new fleet of electric trucks.
By incorporating electric-powered trailers into existing fleets, trucking companies can lower emissions associated with freight transportation, enhance fuel economy for combustion engine powertrains, extend the range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and electric trucks, and reduce harmful pollutants such as exhaust emissions, noise pollution, and brake particle pollution. Additionally, these trailers improve total cost of ownership, offering a financially viable transition toward sustainable trucking solutions.
John Hawkins, Senior Vice President of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at ZF, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “We believe electrified trailers are a viable solution to help lower emissions for food delivery and goods transportation, improve fuel economy for combustion engines, extend the range of electric trucks, and reduce pollution. With Range’s market position, the company was a logical trailer partner for the AxTrax 2 e-axle in North America. Collaborating with Range not only expands the electric mobility applications of our products, but it also gives us the opportunity to work with an emerging leader offering a smart solution to emissions in a hard-to-abate sector.”
ZF’s Expertise in Electric Mobility and System Integration
As a global leader in next-generation mobility solutions, ZF has developed technologies that extend the range and efficiency of electric vehicles across multiple industries. The company’s AxTrax 2 e-axle, a key component in the partnership with Range, is an axle-based, fully integrated system that offers a compact design, maximizing the available space for battery storage while maintaining flexibility in trailer design.
In addition to supplying its e-axle, ZF will help accelerate Range’s partnerships with component suppliers and facilitate integrations with both trailer and tractor original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). This collaboration is expected to create a more streamlined supply chain, ensuring that Range’s eTrailer System is compatible with existing equipment and infrastructure.
Features of the Range eTrailer System
The Range eTrailer System is a comprehensive electrified solution that includes several key components designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability in commercial trucking. The system comprises:
- Modular Battery Pack – A scalable battery system that provides energy to assist in propulsion and regenerative braking.
- ZF AxTrax 2 e-Axle – An advanced electric axle that supports key vehicle functions, such as braking, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems), and automated driving technologies.
- Smart Kingpin with Patented Control Algorithms – A technology-driven component that ensures seamless communication between the trailer and tractor, optimizing energy usage and efficiency.
Initial testing of Range’s eTrailer System has shown promising results. The system is projected to deliver savings of up to $20,000 per trailer per year, coupled with an impressive reduction in emissions of up to 70 percent. The ability to achieve these savings without requiring significant changes to existing fleet operations makes the eTrailer System a compelling option for trucking companies looking to transition toward greener solutions.
The AxTrax 2 e-Axle: Key to the Electrified Trailer Solution
The AxTrax 2 e-axle is a cornerstone of this electrification initiative, designed to seamlessly integrate with commercial vehicles to enhance both performance and sustainability. It features:
- Compact and Efficient Design – Maximizes space for battery storage, allowing for greater energy capacity while maintaining standard trailer dimensions.
- Advanced Synchronization – Fully integrated with key vehicle functions, including braking, ADAS, and autonomous driving capabilities, enhancing safety and overall performance.
- Telematics and Digital Connectivity – Features CAN bus communication, enabling real-time data sharing and diagnostics for fleet management optimization.
By integrating the AxTrax 2 e-axle into its eTrailer System, Range aims to offer a robust, scalable solution that aligns with the needs of fleet operators across North America.
The Future of Electrified Trailers in North America
The transportation and logistics industry is facing increasing pressure to reduce emissions and comply with stringent environmental regulations. Fleet owners and operators are actively seeking solutions that allow them to meet sustainability targets without compromising efficiency or profitability. Electrified trailers represent a key innovation in this transition, providing immediate benefits without requiring a complete overhaul of existing truck fleets.
Ali Javidan, CEO and Founder of Range, emphasized the importance of timely implementation, stating, “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.
