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A different approach to diesel hybrid
Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:11 am
by dan_b
Not seen this idea before - stick batteries and a motor in the trailer and turn your diesel HGV into a hybrid.
https://electrek.co/2023/11/27/range-en ... mpg-by-36/
Re: A different approach to diesel hybrid
Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 9:42 am
by Stinsy
I like this idea! I can imagine a driver dropping one trailer at a distribution centre and hooking onto another.
Obviously only suitable for loads that are space-limited…
Re: A different approach to diesel hybrid
Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2023 10:03 am
by Mart
Hi Dan, there have been a few news items on trailers with batts, since about mid 2022 (not being pedantic), based around the idea that they use sensors on the kingpin at the fifth wheel. Glad to hear that it's worked well, as this is a great way to reduce diesel consumption for the existing fleet. So long, as Stinsy stresses, the loads are volume limited.
Add in the Aussies with Janus converting diesel trucks to BEV's (with swappable batts) when it's time for their major engine overhaul, and we could see a significant reduction in diesel, long before new BEV trucks have displaced most of the fleet.
One of my favourites is the Centaur Tandem, which is a quick addition of a battery and BEV drive axle to an existing twin axle HGV. Can reduce fuel consumption by 95%. Apparently they are developing a similar system for addition to triple axle tractor units, and they also offer a 'powerpack' to run refrigerated trailers, to reduce load on the diesel engine.
Tandem Centaur