Range Energy announced preliminary third-party testing results showing its electric trailer technology enables up to 36.9% fuel efficiency gains (+3.25 MPG) for heavy-duty trucks. Testing was conducted on a 25.5-mile urban/highway loop at approximately 59,000 lb. GVW and 60 mph top speeds across multiple scenarios, including stop/go and steady-speed portions.
Range Energy develops electrified trailers that offer their own propulsion to assist tractor movement for efficiency gains. The trailers, still in development, can be used with both diesel and electric trucks.
“Achieving 36.3% efficiency improvements proves to the trucking industry how important and overlooked trailers are to enhancing efficiency and lowering emissions for our industry," said Ali Javidan, Range Energy CEO and founder. "Range is the first electrification platform to actually prove this level of efficiency benefit, and we anticipate these numbers will only improve as we begin testing with production quality parts versus prototype components."
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The fuel economy testing conducted by Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions, a company that provides testing, design, and development services for the trucking industry, demonstrates meaningful progress toward rapidly reducing the emissions of the commercial trucking sector as well as helping fleet operators meet emerging emissions reductions targets and bring down their cost-per-mile regardless of their duty cycle.
“We were impressed with the Range trailer," said Daryl Bear, COO of MVT Solutions. "Whether a fleet wants to reduce fuel usage or increase BEV range, this system provides unique opportunities over a traditional trailer—and by a large amount when considering it achieved 36.3% fuel savings. Our drivers also liked the Range trailer, reporting it pulled easier and felt lighter. Naturally, there is a trade-off with electric charging and additional weight, so it may not suit every fleet, but for those considering the EV direction, Range is worth talking to.”
