Trailer Dynamics, DB Schenker, and CATL Team Up for New Battery Swapping Project for Electric Trailers in Europe

Trailer Dynamics GmbH, DB Schenker, and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) are working together on a new project to bring Battery Swapping Technology (BST) to electric trailers across Europe.

The three companies are conducting a study to explore how battery swapping stations could be set up and used for electric trailers, and potentially electric trucks, all over Europe. This project aims to make battery charging faster and more cost-effective for heavy-duty transport. The goal is to create systems that allow for quick and easy battery changes, which would help electric vehicles travel farther and stay on the road longer.

Battery swapping is especially useful for electric trailers, as it allows for shorter charging times, better efficiency, and less dependence on traditional charging stations. With an estimated swap time of just five minutes and the option to choose different battery modules depending on the job, this technology could make logistics more efficient and improve the economics of electric heavy-duty transport.

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"Battery swapping technology will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges related to charging infrastructure and support the market ramp-up of emission-free heavy-duty transport, particularly in Europe," said Wolfgang Janda, Executive Vice President of DB Schenker Europe. "This project is a clear commitment from DB Schenker to a low-emission and efficient transport industry in Europe."

CATL will tailor its battery expertise to the eTrailer concept and provide essential technical data for the design of the battery swapping stations. TD will oversee the mechanical and electrical integration of the swappable batteries into the eTrailer systems and provide eTrailer prototypes for testing. DB Schenker will identify suitable locations for testing the battery swapping stations and create a forward-looking map of potential sites across Europe.

"We are excited to combine our technology and experience with the industry knowledge and operational expertise of DB Schenker and Trailer Dynamics to accelerate the transition to emission-free transport in Europe," said Akin Li, Executive President of Overseas Business at CATL.

With this project, Trailer Dynamics continues to lead in the eTrailer space. "Battery swapping technology has the potential to maximize our vehicles' uptime and reduce CO2 emissions across Europe," said Abdullah Jaber, CEO of Trailer Dynamics.

The project team plans to bring more logistics companies, energy providers, and service providers into the fold.

At IAA-Transportation 2024 in Hall 27, Stand C28, Trailer Dynamics will showcase a prototype eTrailer with a swappable battery and demonstrate the battery swapping process.

Trailer Dynamics, a leader in eTrailer technology, offers solutions to reduce diesel use and CO2 emissions while extending the range of electric trucks; DB Schenker, a top global logistics provider, contributes its extensive network and logistics management expertise; and CATL, a world leader in new energy technology, brings its comprehensive battery expertise from development to application.

Source: Deutsche Bahn AG Press Releases