Finnish trailer OEM Ekeri has collaborated with Volvo GTT and Volvo Penta to develop a prototype of an e-trailer, now in testing phase in Sweden.
The collaboration is a major step towards a more sustainable transport industry, with the e-trailer functioning as a range extender for electric trucks.
The project, which began in the fall of 2024, has enormous potential to reduce carbon emissions in the logistics sector, with the prototype e-trailer being was showcased at the recent REEL Results conference in Gothenburg, Sweden.
For the Volvo representatives, the choice of Ekeri was a straightforward one.
“Ekeri is a leader in the Nordic region and is known for its expertise and innovations,” said Volvo Penta Product Manager for Electromobility, Saba Talimy.
“It felt like a natural choice that we wanted to work with them.
“The project team has had great cooperation. It’s important to have trust in each other and be able to find solutions together.”
The e-trailer harnesses brake energy and can be combined with both battery-electric trucks and traditional trucks with combustion engines, resulting in higher energy efficiency and lower emissions.
The e-trailer prototype generates 195 kW of power and has a battery capacity of 360 kWh. Its charging is 42 kW AC/250 kW DC
It is heavier than a standard trailer, so it can carry less net loads.
However, as the e-trailer is self-propelling, it feels much lighter for the towing vehicle.
This is particularly advantageous in the food transport sector, where the focus is more on volume than weight.
Volvo Penta’s Saba Talimy has taken a leading role in the early stages of the project, and sees the project as a positive step in developing products that minimise CO2 emissions
“Our transformation to truly sustainable solutions is at the core of everything we do,” said Talimy.
“By expanding the use of our EV driveline platform, we strive to increase efficiency, safety, and create a great driving experience.”
Talimy said the collaboration is not only about reducing environmental impact but also about creating clear added value for customers.
“The groundwork with planning, analysis, data, and a truly skilled team with broad expertise has led to the finished prototype,” she said.
“Collaboration and joint efforts have been crucial for this result.
“The key to the project’s efficiency has been the team’s regular meetings and close contact throughout the project.”
Erikssons Åkeri in Tomelilla, Sweden will be testing ground for the e-trailer in real-world operations, where it will be part of the cold transport chain.
The testing will enable the project team to gather valuable data and evaluate how the e-trailer performs in daily use, as well as demonstrate its potential to a wider audience.
“We’ve conducted extensive simulations, but now we get the chance to see what it’s really like to use an e-trailer in daily operations and show the world its value,” said Saba Talimy.
The project team has identified key areas of focus and development to ensure the successful implementation of e-trailers in the future, while working on grey areas, such as relevant national legislation and weight restrictions.
The development of battery-powered vehicles is a global trend, placing the collaboration between Ekeri and Volvo at the forefront of this innovation.
Read more about Ekeri’s work.
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