WABCO will showcase eTrailer – the first electrification prototype for trailers that holistically integrates the brake-, stability, and e-traction controls of both truck and trailer to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Leading global supplier of braking control systems WABCO Holdings Inc. has announced it will present its prototype of the industry‘s first electric trailer developed to maximise operating efficiency and lower fuel consumption at the IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018 in Hanover, Germany from September 20 to 27. WABCO will also launch the first global modular braking platform covering all types of trailers

WABCO‘s new electric trailer equipped with an electric motor and its associated control system – named eTrailer – marks the commercial vehicle industry‘s first prototype that uniquely connects truck and trailer vehicle controls.

The eTrailer prototype uses an intelligent electric motor control to recover electric energy during braking, which can then be reutilised to power the vehicle‘s traction or to operate on-board electric auxiliaries.

Commercial fleet operators will be able to connect eTrailer to a truck equipped with WABCO‘s intelligent braking and stability control systems, which could maximise operating efficiency of the truck-trailer combination. WABCO estimates that its eTrailer could deliver fuel savings up to 20 percent on short haul routes and up to 10 percent for long hauls.

“As a top-tier supplier, WABCO is unique in providing trailer technologies that propel trailer and truck builders into the future of vehicle electrification as exemplified by eTrailer,” said Nick Rens, WABCO president, trailer, aftermarket, digital customer services and off highway division. “This breakthrough demonstrates our differentiation by connecting truck and trailer vehicle intelligence, and it confirms WABCO in pole position as a development partner for electrification of trailers, particularly within chassis and drivetrain components.”

At IAA Commercial Vehicles 2018, WABCO will showcase the industry‘s first global intelligent braking platform for trailers. It enhances trailer system functionality and supports the globalisation strategies of trailer manufacturers due to increased standardisation and modularity.

Rens said WABCO‘s first global intelligent braking platform‘s modularity could offer trailer manufacturers the full benefit of a new generation of trailer iABS and iEBS functionalities alongside new levels of flexibility in their choice of braking system.

“By integrating WABCO‘s rich portfolio of trailer-specific technologies and our suite of industry-leading fleet management solutions, WABCO is able to connect commercial trailers directly to ‘the internet of things‘”, said Rens. “This real-time access to information on the cargo, trailer health and vehicle location can help drivers, fleet managers and cargo owners to operate with greater safety, security and productivity.”