Whoever complains about this is probably a diesel or oil & gas producer, or salesperson.
Sounds like an electric motor on the trailer.
That hybrid approach is especially valuable in heavy trucking, where moving heavy loads at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic forces diesel trucks into low-gear, high-RPM operation — exactly where fuel consumption climbs and fuel efficiency drops. Electric motors, on the other hand, deliver peak torque (and, therefor, peak efficiency) from 0 RPM, making them ideally suited for the low-speed hauling and grade change scenarios where diesel struggles most. Plus, the mass of a loaded truck-and-trailer combination makes regenerative braking far more impactful than it would be in something like a Prius.
Seems cool. I was wondering why it’s better than an electric cab:
Because the VE Motion system can be attached to existing trailers and put to work behind both ICE- and battery-powered semi trucks, the system itself doesn’t ask the fleet operator to make a huge commitment in terms of trucks, trailers, or even infrastructure.
the VE Motion powered trailer concept is best described as a modular and self-contained e-axle solution that adds a 295 kW (~395 hp) electric motor to new or existing trailers, reducing wear and tear on diesel drivelines while ensuring stronger starts, smoother climbs, and shorter cycle times.
Interesting idea to power the trailer, but I’m not really sure if this concept really pays off. It is an hybrid truck that needs to carry two different engines, both adding cost and weight.
Electric engines require so little maintenance, it’s possible the total maintenance burden would be reduced even with the additional engine.
It also seems like it would be great for saving brakes:
using an electric motor to boost propulsion when it’s most effective and recovering energy with regenerative braking
Usual weight of a loaded rig is 80k lbs in the usa. And can be running that quite regularly. What ever additional weight these add takes away from that. And running less freight means less money for the truck. More cost for the shipper. I don’t see the investment return. Id be happy to be wrong. Unless they give an allowance for it. There is for apu systems on trucks. But in America right now. Electric bad!! Unless someone greases a few palms. Same problem with the Tesla semi. Limited load capacity. That’s why the are only hauling lays chips and some car parts. Well that and the charge to distance ratio sucks with those batteries. Catl might have something in the pipeline. But nothing from domestic. And 100% tarrifs on Chinese evs.
Edit. Yup. Limited use off road only, or by special permits. They have no mention of weight. I’m guessing that’s going to add for 1 axle and small battery apx 2500lbs. Big battery and 3 axles for heavy haul probably around 7000lbs. For a regular trailer small battery and 2 axles… Probably 4000lbs. Cuts freight by 10%. Your never making this up with fuel cost.
We see batteries carrying themselves all the time and cost is literally mentioned in the title, but no one is stopping you from looking for whatever you need to be sure.