
Munich. BMW Group Logistik, in collaboration with the
technology innovator Trailer Dynamics, has successfully tested an
electrically powered semi-trailer on various tracks and over varying
distances in real-world logistics operations. With the diesel truck
used, average fuel savings of more than 46 percent over short and
medium distances, and more than 48 percent over long distances, were
attained. Using a combination of electric tractor and e-trailer, a
range of more than 600 kilometres without recharging was achieved.
There were four days of pilot tests over short and medium distances
around the BMW Group location at Dingolfing, and three days of testing
over long distances between Mamming in Lower Bavaria and the BMW Group
plant in Leipzig. The capabilities of Trailer Dynamicsβ e-trailer were
put to the test to identify the best application scenarios for BMW
Group Logistik.
βAs the BMW Group, we are β as the first German car manufacturer β a
member of the βBusiness Ambition for 1.5Β°Cβ of the Science-Based
Targets Initiative and are committed to the target of complete climate
neutrality throughout the entire value chain. Therefore, we are using
visionary projects to consistently accelerate the BMW Groupβs Green
Transport Logistics strategy. The pilot testing with Trailer Dynamicsβ
e-trailer showed that using this kind of electrified semi-trailer
significantly reduces the fuel consumption of standard diesel tractors
and noticeably increases the range of e-trucks,β said Michael
Nikolaides, Head of BMW Group Production Network and Logistics.
Semi-trailer with electric drive axle.
Unlike a conventional semi-trailer, the e-trailer from Trailer
Dynamics of Eschweiler near Aachen is fitted with its own battery and
electric drive axle. This axle supports the semi-trailer truckβs
engine. Integrated sensors on the kingpin between the tractor and the
trailer ensure an optimum load ratio and thus the best-possible fuel
economy. As well as reducing the tractorβs energy consumption, the
e-trailerβs powered axle also provides additional power during
start-up and on slopes. In combination with a diesel truck, security
of supply is also ensured even if the battery of the eβtrailer is empty.
The tests over a medium distance took place over four consecutive
days on real logistics routes around the BMW Group location of
Dingolfing. The round trip transportations with demanding route
topographies were carried out with the logistics service provider Gahr
International. Up to 250 kilometres were covered per day on motorways
and main roads, with automated and simultaneous data collection from
the e-trailer and tractor being performed for the first time. That
showed an average reduction in diesel consumption of 46.59 percent.
Even greater fuel savings over long distances.
The long distance tests were also performed on real logistics routes
and with a load of more than 16 tonnes between Leipzig and Mamming.
Energy modules for BMW electric cars were transported over a distance
of 450Β kilometres with mainly on motorways. Compared with journeys
with a conventional trailer and identical load, this resulted in
diesel savings of more than 48 percent on average. The e-trailerβs
battery was charged carbon neutrally using 100 percent green energy,
meaning that with series application, a single electric trailer could
facilitate a CO2 reduction of around 120 tonnes per year
(βWell to Wheelβ).
100 percent
CO2 reduction when used with an e-truck.
A 100 percent reduction in CO2 while simultaneously
enabling long-distance routes can be achieved by combining an
e-trailer with an electric tractor and 100 percent green electricity.
This scenario was tested on the final day of medium-distance testing
in the Dingolfing area using a Volvo eβtruck. With a normal load, a
driving distance of more than 600 kilometres was achieved without recharging.
The fuel savings when using e-trailers are counterbalanced by their
heavier weight and the resulting lower payload, but this is partially
offset by an increase in the permissible total weight for trailers in
the EU. The higher acquisition costs of the e-trailer are counteracted
by lower operating costs. Over long distances in particular, the use
of e-trailers can facilitate a significant decarbonisation of the
existing fleet while simultaneously saving costs.
Trailer Dynamicsβ vision is to make a significant contribution to
decarbonising the economy with e-trailers and to promote sustainable,
and ideally zero-emission, logistics. With our partner BMW and the
forwarding agents Gahr International and Elflein Spedition &
Transport, with these test drives we are taking the next important
step in making our vision a reality,β said Abdullah Jaber, CEO and
Managing Director Trailer Dynamics GmbH.
With the visionary e-trailer pilot projects, the BMW Group is
accelerating the systematic implementation of their βGreen Transport
Logisticsβ strategy. This cross-sector strategy is an integral element
of the BMWΒ iFACTORY. βIt is important to us to support the development
of innovative technologies in transport logistics. Establishing
innovations like these helps our logistics partners and us to reduce
COβ emissions and improve the overall footprint,β explained Michael Nikolaides.