Initiative for exchangeable batteries in electric trailers
The three companies involved have been working together for some time on electrified trailers. The eTrailer from Aachen-based company Trailer Dynamics, which we have already discussed several times, is a semi-trailer with its own electric drive. This reacts to the driving behaviour of its coupled tractor unit. The idea is that the eTrailer’s drive takes the strain off the tractor unit. The eTrailer can not only be used flexibly with tractor units from different manufacturers, but also with different types of drive – whether diesel, gas, battery-electric or fuel cell.
Trailer Dynamics has already conducted field tests and concluded acceptance contracts with DB Schenker. There has been a contractual collaboration with CATL since 2020 and the idea of developing a battery swap solution for the eTrailers was first presented at the IAA Transportation 2022. Now, under the direction of the three companies, the “foundation for developing systems that allow batteries to be swapped quickly and efficiently” is to be created, as stated in a DB Schenker press release. The initiative is focussing on Europe.
CATL wants to adapt its batteries to the eTrailer concept for the project and provide technical data for the design of the swap stations. Trailer Dynamics has agreed to monitor the mechanical and electrical integration of the exchangeable batteries into the eTrailer systems and to provide prototypes of eTrailers for testing. DB Schenker will in turn identify suitable locations for testing the swap stations and create a forward-looking map of potential locations throughout Europe.
First of all, however, the partners intend to initiate a feasibility study for the establishment and realisation of suitable battery exchange stations. At the upcoming IAA Transportation 2024 in Hanover, Trailer Dynamics will also unveil the prototype of an eTrailer with an exchangeable battery and a model that demonstrates the entire battery exchange process. The initiators hope that this will not only draw attention to the approach but also attract further supporters.
From the trio’s perspective, battery swap systems are particularly suitable for e-trailers, as they require high vehicle availability, operational efficiency and less dependence on the conventional charging infrastructure. According to DB Schenker, the estimated swapping time is five minutes and “the selection of multiple battery modules according to the required uses case not only improves the efficiency of the logistics process in electrified heavy goods transportation, but also the commercial parameters.”
The collaboration is intended to send a strong signal to the European market and demonstrate the commitment of the companies involved to drive forward the electrification of heavy goods transport. Wolfgang Janda, Executive Vice President of DB Schenker Europe, said: “Battery swap technology will play a crucial role in overcoming charging infrastructure challenges and supporting the market ramp-up of zero-tailpipe-emission heavy goods transport specifically in Europe. This project is a clear commitment of DB Schenker to a low-emission and efficient transport industry in Europe.”
Akin Li, Executive President of Overseas Business at CATL, added: “We are excited to combine our technology and experience with the industry knowledge and operational expertise of DB Schenker and Trailer Dynamics to accelerate the transition to emission-free transportation in Europe.”
According to Abdullah Jaber, CEO of Trailer Dynamics, the project underlines his company’s first-mover strategy in the eTrailer ecosystem. “The battery swap technology has the potential to maximize the uptime of our vehicles and reduce CO2 emissions throughout Europe.”
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