DB Schenker, Trailer Dynamics, and CATL Collaborate on Battery Swapping Technology for Electric Trailers in Europe

DB Schenker, Trailer Dynamics, and CATL Collaborate on Battery Swapping Technology for Electric Trailers in Europe

(IN BRIEF) DB Schenker, Trailer Dynamics, and CATL have partnered to explore the feasibility of Battery Swapping Technology (BST) for electric trailers in Europe. The project aims to reduce vehicle downtime and enhance efficiency with battery swaps taking just five minutes. The initiative will increase the range and operational availability of eTrailers, reduce dependence on charging infrastructure, and promote the electrification of heavy-duty transport across Europe.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESSEN, 10-Sep-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — DB Schenker, Trailer Dynamics, and CATL have launched a study to evaluate the use of Battery Swapping Technology (BST) for electric trailers in Europe, aiming to transform how energy is managed for heavy-duty electric vehicles. The initiative seeks to cut down charging times by introducing a system where batteries can be swapped in just five minutes, significantly improving vehicle availability and efficiency for electric trailers (eTrailers) and trucks.

This collaboration focuses on creating a network of battery swapping stations across Europe, enhancing the range and reducing downtime for electric fleets. The technology is set to provide a solution for the growing electrified transport industry by minimizing reliance on traditional charging infrastructure, promoting operational cost savings, and supporting greener logistics.

Trailer Dynamics will integrate the swappable batteries into their eTrailer systems, CATL will contribute its extensive battery expertise, and DB Schenker will utilize its wide logistics network to test and evaluate locations for the swapping stations. Together, the partners aim to lay the foundation for the future of electric mobility in the transport sector.

About Trailer Dynamics:
The technology innovator Trailer Dynamics has developed a comprehensive and so far unique solution concept to reduce the diesel consumption of diesel tractors in long-distance transport or to increase the range of battery electric tractors (BEV) by installing an additional, functionally reliable electric driveline in the eTrailer.
The core of the development is an electric drivetrain installed in the trailer, which supports the drive of the tractor and makes it possible to couple the eTrailer to any tractor unit. The intelligent electric driveline of the Trailer Dynamics eTrailer supports the tractor unit during the entire journey, both when starting off and when negotiating inclines. If not all electrical resources are required for the above-mentioned tasks, the electric drive permanently supports the tractor unit’s drive over the entire route with the remaining energy.

Depending on the load situation and the topography of the route, the electric support drive in the eTrailer can significantly reduce CO2 emissions of the diesel tractor unit and, depending on the electricity mix used to charge the battery, by an average of 40% or 40 tonnes of CO2 or in combination with a battery-electric tractor unit will double or even triple the range of the vehicle combination.
www.trailerdynamics.de

About DB Schenker:
With around 72,700 employees at more than 1,850 locations in over 130 countries, DB Schenker is one of the world’s leading logistics service providers. The company operates land, air, and ocean transportation services, and it also offers comprehensive logistics and global supply chain management solutions from a single source. Aiming for a sustainable future of the logistics industry, DB Schenker continuously invests in innovative transport solutions, renewable energies, and low-emission products for its customers.
www.dbschenker.com

About CATL Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited:
CATL is a leading global innovator in new energy technologies, committed to providing premier solutions and services for new energy applications worldwide. CATL’s core innovation is its electrochemical materials platform, allowing it to explore systems with be.er performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

www.catl.com

Media Contact:

Fritz Esser
Head of Communications DB Schenker
Fritz.Esser@dbschenker.com
Tel: +49 1523 7453494

SOURCE: DB Schenker