The trailer has been developed in conjunction with 13 partners from the commercial vehicle industry, with the project funded by the European Commission, and it was placed top in the bodies/trailers category at the European Transport Prize for Sustainability in December.
“For the base, we use a classic curtainsider equipped with an electric powertrain and energy recuperation system,” explains Roland Klement, Schmitz Cargobull’s board member for R&D.
With its built-in battery and electric motor, power is transferred via the gearbox and prop shaft down to the drive axle, providing electrical propulsion for ‘hybrid on demand’ operation. The battery, with a capacity of 22kWh, has been installed between the l-beams to ensure it is protected against impact.
“The electrical system can achieve an output of up to 80kW and maximum torque of 200Nm,” states Klement. The hybrid drive adds an extra 1,140kg to the total weight.
Improvements have been made to the aerodynamic design of the bulkhead, and side and rear cladding, while a new fully height-adjustable roof has also been added.
“When we started developing the prototype, we didn’t set out to build a one-off. Instead we used a standard trailer as our basis along with adapted production components,” says Klement, adding that this means it can be made with standard production processes and meet all the requirements for road approval.
Click the link below for more information on the trailer project.