Cost-Effective Fleet Building: Leveraging Electric Trailers for Practical Decarbonization

Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword in the world of freight and logistics, but the call for more responsible supply chains cannot be ignored. As supply chains account for nearly 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., shippers and state and federal mandates are pushing fleets to scale back their carbon footprint and adopt more sustainable practices.

While fleets may initially consider traditional electrification as a potential path forward, the high costs associated with implementing electric tractors and updating their infrastructures quickly add up, often becoming cost-prohibitive for many fleets. When combined with the operational challenges and disruptions involved in charging EV tractors, the operational shift toward full electrification also proves to be difficult for fleets to implement and scale. 

In recognition of the challenges associated with traditional electrification, Range Energy sought to provide a scalable and cost-effective solution and has done so in the form of its hybrid eTrailer System. Range’s solution enables fleets to immediately reduce emissions and fuel consumption without disrupting their operations, providing an alternative path to full electrification while still reaping the benefits of decarbonization.

The Challenge: Building a Sustainable Fleet Without Breaking the Budget

The upfront costs associated with adopting an electric fleet are insurmountable for many companies. In addition to the cost of the EV tractors themselves, building the infrastructure required to charge them becomes an even greater challenge. When combined with their high maintenance costs and limited resale value, full EV adoption becomes too great of a financial challenge for many fleets to achieve.

Operational limitations are an additional obstacle for fleets, as limited range and charging downtime must be factored into delivery schedules and can impact productivity and profitability. When considering these challenges in addition to the lack of widespread charging networks — particularly in rural or less populated areas — the logistical and financial burdens make it difficult for many fleets to justify the switch to fully electric fleets.

The Practical Alternative: Hybrid Electric Trailers

Range Energy introduced its hybrid eTrailer System as a cost-effective and scalable alternative to full electrification, allowing fleets to reduce emissions immediately while maintaining operational flexibility. While EV tractors are expensive, the eTrailer System provides a much more affordable and hybrid approach that does not require infrastructure upgrades. The eTrailers also utilize electric propulsion assistance, reducing strain on the tractor and resulting in lower emissions and improved fuel efficiency. 

The eTrailer System can be bolted onto any existing dry van or refrigerated trailer within a few short hours using basic tools so fleets do not have expensive upfront costs. Furthermore, the trailers can be charged during existing driver dwell time using current AC power systems, so fleets also do not have to invest in updates to existing infrastructure, meaning the financial and operational benefits can be realized immediately.

Three Key Financial Benefits of Electric Trailers for Decarbonization

When compared to adopting fully electric tractors, the financial benefits of utilizing the Range Energy eTrailer System are undeniable:

Lower Upfront Investment and Faster ROI

Because fleets can use the eTrailer System with their current equipment, they realize immediate cost savings and ROI when compared to the price of purchasing EV tractors. Fleets report achieving 50-70% more MPG instantly upon installing the eTrailer System, resulting in immediate fuel savings and reduced emissions. Because the eTrailer can be charged using existing AC power, fleets also avoid the financial burden associated with implementing costly DC fast charging infrastructure.

Reduced Operating and Maintenance Costs

The operational benefits of the eTrailer System are enjoyed by fleets and drivers alike. The hybrid eTrailer offers regenerative braking, which reduces stress on the driver (particularly on steep terrain) and results in less wear and tear on the tractor’s brakes. The electric propulsion assistance reduces strain on the tractor engine as well, improving acceleration for the driver and prolonging the lifespan of the tractor while reducing fuel consumption and maintenance expenses. Because the eTrailer is compatible with both existing AC power and DC fast chargers, drivers have more flexibility, can charge during existing dwell time, and are not forced to rely on expensive fast-charging networks. 

Scalability and Fleet Flexibility

The Range Energy eTrailer System works with any existing dry van or refrigerated trailer so fleets have the ability to continue using their current equipment and are able to gradually scale and adopt the eTrailer System across all of their dry van and reefer trailers. This enables fleets to avoid the debilitating costs associated with full electrification while gradually increasing sustainability as they deploy the eTrailer to more of their equipment. As a result, fleets have an alternative to electrification that allows them to cost-effectively achieve regulatory compliance with lower emissions standards without disrupting their operations.

Achieving the Benefits of Electrification Without the Financial Burden

While the call for greater sustainability can be challenging for many fleets, Range Energy’s eTrailer System provides an alternative to full electrification that is opening the door for many fleets to scalably and affordably comply with regulations and demands from their shipper partners. In a few short hours and with minimal disruption to their operations, fleets can now achieve all of the benefits of decarbonization for their dry van and refrigerated trailers while achieving cost savings and efficiency gains in the process. 

‍To learn more about how Range Energy’s eTrailer System can help your fleet achieve greater efficiency and cost savings, complete our Pilot interest form to have a member of our team contact you to schedule a demo.