Wabco launches electric trailer

By Colin Windell 

Wabco, a leading supplier of braking control systems, has shown a protype of its first electric trailer at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany.

Wabco unveils an electric trailer to connect truck and trailer vehicle controls.

Wabco’s new electric trailer equipped with an electric motor and its associated control system – named eTrailer – marks the company’s first prototype that uniquely connects truck and trailer vehicle controls and it was unveiled publicly for the first time at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show in Hanover, Germany.

The eTrailer prototype uses an intelligent electric motor control to recuperate electric energy during braking, which can then be reutilised to power the vehicle’s traction or to operate onboard electric auxiliaries.
 
Commercial fleet operators that connect eTrailer to a truck equipped with Wabco’s intelligent braking and stability control systems will enhance the operating efficiency of the truck-trailer combination.
 
Wabco estimates that its eTrailer could deliver fuel savings up to 20% on short haul routes and up to 10% for long hauls in a truck-trailer combination.
 
“As a top-tier supplier, Wabco is unique in providing trailer technologies that propel trailer and truck builders into the future of vehicle electrification as exemplified by eTrailer,” says Nick Rens, Wabco President, Trailer, Aftermarket, Digital Customer Services and Off Highway Division.

“This breakthrough demonstrates our differentiation by connecting truck and trailer vehicle intelligence, and it confirms Wabco in pole position as a development partner for electrification of trailers, particularly within chassis and drivetrain components.”
 
“Wabco’s eTrailer differentiates by targeting best-in-class energy recuperation in every mode of operation,” says Dr. Christian Brenneke, Wabco Chief Technology Officer and Head of Engineering. “Wabco is mobilising the increasing intelligence onboard and between trailers and trucks to empower fleets to gain further efficiency and improve fuel economy while reducing CO2 and noise emissions.”