The trucking industry is the lifeblood of the American economy, with 72 percent of all goods in the country being transported by truck at some point. To keep goods flowing, the industry employs over 3.5 million truck drivers in America alone, making driver safety one of the most important considerations for any trucking and logistics company.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reported 4,807 deaths from large truck crashes in 2023. As the industry evolves, it is becoming increasingly critical for companies to take steps to protect drivers. Range Energy — a company that has released a hybrid eTrailer system designed to help trucking companies lower their carbon footprint — has garnered attention for its technology’s ability to not only create more eco-friendly operational performance but also to help improve safety for the drivers who utilize it.
Modern Drivers Face a Hazardous Transportation Environment
A number of concerns must be considered when it comes to protecting the safety of drivers, who often experience fatigue due to the long distances they must travel. Drivers must remain keenly aware of their surroundings and the conditions around them at all times. This includes factoring in the stability of their equipment when making large turns, braking, and in suboptimal weather conditions, as well as being aware of how heavy trailers or unevenly distributed loads will impact their ability to maneuver effectively.
In addition to safety concerns, companies are facing increased pressure from federal and state governments to meet sustainability goals without compromising safety, making Range Energy’s eTrailer system a game-changer by helping them address two challenges with one solution.
Range: Leveraging Innovation for Driver Safety
Through an innovative hybrid design, Range Energy’s eTrailer system transforms most tractor-trailers into hybrid units by using an electric powertrain that provides battery-powered propulsion and regenerative braking. This results in immediate fuel savings because the tractor requires less fuel to pull the trailer. Charging is also easy for the driver and requires lower charging speeds than EV tractors, so it can be charged during existing trailer dwell time, minimizing any impact on asset utilization.
The eTrailer system helps fleets to reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions while making several key improvements as it relates to driver safety:
Improved Handling and Stability
Traditional tractors experience great strain due to the heavy trailer loads they carry. Range Energy’s eTrailer system utilizes propulsion assistance, providing power from the trailer unit itself to decrease the load on the tractor while lowering emissions. This results in smoother handling and greater stability for the driver while braking and turning, particularly in steep terrain or in wet or icy conditions.
Reduced Driver Fatigue
Because the eTrailer system reduces strain on the tractor, it also makes the driving experience less physically demanding for the driver. This system makes an 80klb vehicle handle and feel more like a passenger car, lowering distraction for drivers and enabling them to focus on the road and react quickly. This likely reduces the potential for safety incidents in the process.
Enhanced Braking and Traction
The Range Energy eTrailer system further enhances the driver experience by using hybrid technology to create smoother acceleration and better stability, in addition to controlled deceleration due to its regenerative braking capabilities — creating a more comfortable experience for the driver while reducing strain on the tractor’s brakes. All of this leads to improved traction control and comfort for the driver as well, which can be especially beneficial by improving safety during icy or poor road conditions.
Protection for Your Most Valuable Assets
Drivers are the most important assets for any fleet, and maintaining their safety is the top priority. Thanks to innovative solutions from companies like Range Energy’s eTrailer system, fleets can benefit from enhanced driver safety while working to meet the growing demand for decarbonization.
The bolt-on nature of the powered trailer allows it to be installed on any dry van or refrigerated trailer, enabling it to be converted to a hybrid model within a few short hours using common tools. Fleets immediately benefit from greater fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and enhanced safety for their drivers without requiring changes to the foundational systems that are already in place or disrupting their drivers’ daily operations.
A comfortable and safe driver experience also translates into increased retention, helping fleets maintain and protect the people who matter most.
To connect with our team and learn more about the Range Energy eTrailer system, complete our pilot interest form, and a team member will contact you to schedule a demo.