DB Schenker, Trailer Dynamics and CATL start study for battery swapping in eTrailers

Trailer Dynamics GmbH (TD), Schenker Europe GmbH (DB Schenker), and Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL) announce the project start on a groundbreaking initiative that aims to implement Battery Swapping Technology (BST) for electric trailers in Europe.

The three partners intent to jointly conduct a feasibility study for the creation and implementation of battery swapping stations capable of servicing the future needs of electrified trailers and potentially electrified trucks across Europe. This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of battery charging for heavy goods traffic. It establishes the foundation for developing systems that allow batteries to be swapped quickly and efficiently, thereby increasing the range and uptime of electric vehicles in the European transport sector.

Battery Swapping systems are particularly suited to accommodate the unique and dynamically changing requirements of eTrailer users. This will result in greater vehicle availability due to reduced charging times, improved operational efficiency, and decreased reliance on conventional charging infrastructure. The estimated swapping time of five minutes and the selection of multiple battery modules according to the required uses case not only improves the efficiency of the logistics process in electrified heavy goods transportation, but also the commercial parameters.

Trailer Dynamics, a pioneering entity in eTrailer technology, provides an innovative electric drive train solution aimed at reducing diesel consumption and CO₂ emissions and helping extending range for the future electric trucks and semi-tractors.

DB Schenker, one of the world's leading logistics service providers, contributes its huge network and extensive experience in logistics management.

CATL, a leading global innovator in new energy technologies, brings its advanced capabilities in the electrochemical field and a comprehensive platform covering battery design, manufacturing, and application.

The cooperation sends a strong signal to the European market demonstrating the participating companies’ dedication to advancing the electrification of heavy-duty transport.

"Battery swap technology will play a crucial role in overcoming charging infrastructure challenges and supporting the market ramp-up of zero-tailpipe-emission heavy goods transport specifically in Europe," said Wolfgang Janda, Executive Vice President of DB Schenker Europe. "This project is a clear commitment of DB Schenker to a low-emission and efficient transport industry in Europe."

CATL will adapt 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 their eTrailer systems and provide prototype eTrailer models for review. DB Schenker will assess suitable locations for testing Battery Swapping Stations and design a forward-looking map of potential locations 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 transportation in Europe," said Akin Li, Executive President of Overseas Business of CATL.

With this project, Trailer Dynamics emphasizes again its first-mover strategy in the field of the eTrailer ECO System. "The battery swap technology has the potential to maximize the uptime of our vehicles and reduce CO₂ emissions throughout Europe," said Abdullah Jaber, CEO of Trailer Dynamics.

The group of companies involved in this project will be successively expanded to include other logistics companies, energy suppliers and service providers.