Dutch moving-floor trailer manufacturer Kraker Trailers said a prototype e-axle hybrid that it has developed has the potential to make 20% fuel savings.
The E-Force uses a 42kW battery, supplied by Super B, to operate the moving-floor.
Rick Gijsberts, who owns Dutch electronics company Gocontroll that has worked with Kraker to develop the E-Force, said the design doesn’t require a tractor unit with a power take-off (PTO) to operate it.
The prototype is undergoing extensive testing, and once completed, the E-Force will become commercially available.
“The braking energy captured is stored in the battery, which is then used to power the centre axle during acceleration,” he said. “It results in fuel savings of 10-20%. Furthermore, less CO2 is released.”
He continued: “E-Force can drive both an axle and the hydro pump through smart operation of the double-coupling on the electric motor. The electric motor can be disconnected from the shaft when it is not in use. This significantly reduces resistance.”
Each discharge uses 5% of the battery charge, and the kerbweight is similar to the weight of a truck-trailer combination fitted with a hydraulic pump with an oil reserve.
The company added that its development is part of the firm’s commitment to meet the goals set out in the Paris Agreement. “It is expected that CO2 emissions will be taxed by the government in the future. This is one of the reasons why it is becoming ever more important for carriers to drive as cleanly as possible,” he explained.
