ZF TrailTrax — complete e-trailer installation. An electric drive axle under the trailer saves fuel.
Component manufacturer ZF previously presented the AxTrax1 and AxTrax2: electrically driven axles for mounting on the trailer chassis. The Friedrichshafen-based “gear manufacturer” now offers this invention as a complete solution under the name TrailTrax.
TrailTrax integrates the 210 kW AxTrax2 electric axle, the trailer’s EBS, a battery pack, and a corresponding control system. All components must be purchased in consultation with the trailer manufacturer. Furthermore, you must ensure that this concept is permitted in the country where the trailer is registered. Several trailer manufacturers (Krone and Kässbohrer) have already demonstrated complete trailers with AxTrax.
The trailer’s battery pack can be charged using shore power or, optionally, with solar panels on the trailer’s roof. The battery is also charged during braking. ZF claims that diesel savings of 16 to 40 percent are possible. This must, of course, be weighed against the cost of charging the battery. Using green energy can significantly reduce the environmental impact of journeys. Furthermore, buyers should consider the significant weight of the batteries and the electric axle, which will impact payload.
