Trailer Dynamics revealed its eTrailer prototype at IAA Transportation. The trailer featured a battery swapping compartment alongside a model which demonstrated the battery swapping process. This technology has been developed alongside DB Schenker and CATL.
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."
This collaboration was a feasibility study to explore the potential to introduce battery swapping stations for electrified trailers and possibly electrified trucks. The idea is this will lead to greater vehicle availability by eliminating charging times, improving operational efficiency, and decreasing a reliance on conventional charging infrastructure. It’s estimated that a battery can be swapped in as little as five minutes.
Akin Li, executive president of overseas business of CATL said: "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."
Abdullah Jaber, CEO of Trailer Dynamics said: "The battery swap technology has the potential to maximise the uptime of our vehicles and reduce CO2 emissions throughout Europe.”
Trailer Dynamics brings its eTrailer technology to the partnership with its electric drivetrain solution. This reduces diesel consumption and CO2 emissions.
DB Schenker is a logistics provider which can leverage its network and experience in logistics management.
CATL is a battery manufacturer with expertise in electrochemical development, battery design and production.
The continuation of this project will see CATL tailor its battery knowledge to the eTrailer concept and supply technical data to guide the design of battery swapping stations. Trailer Dynamics will be responsible for integrating the swappable batteries into eTrailer prototypes. DB Schenker will analyse which locations would be the most suitable for battery swapping stations and create a proposed network map.
