As the race to decrease emissions on transport refrigeration units (TRUs) is posing a major hurdle to commercial fleets, a zero-emission electric trailer is now available from ConMet eMobility that eliminates emissions, decreases noise, and reduces brake wear, the company noted at the TMC Fall Meeting held in Cleveland. The power behind the zero-emission trailer comes from ConMet eMobility’s Preset Plus Electric Hub (eHub).
An in-wheel electric motor is paired with a ConMet PreSet Plus hub assembly, engineered to capture wasted braking energy and repurpose it as electricity. The electricity is stored in a high-capacity, lightweight battery that sits beneath the trailer, which then powers the electric reefer to keep a fully loaded trailer cool without the need for diesel fuel. The energy can also power the eHub motors for robust, decentralized propulsion of the vehicle, while allowing quieter navigation in restrictive urban routes.
The eHub was first debuted in 2019, but ConMet eMobility has continued to innovate the product since. The newly updated design has been simplified for modularity, a better mechanical fit, manufacturing scalability, and updated software controls. ConMet eMobility has invested in truck and trailer assets for on-highway validation testing and data collection, and today, ConMet eMobility’s zero-emission refrigerated trailer is on the road.
ConMet eMobility identified TRUs for the first eHub application as the California Air Resource Board (CARB) is set to enact a new set of regulations on TRU emissions by 2025, with more states expected to follow in the coming years.
“The eHub system is now the most efficient way to completely replace the need for internal combustion engines in transport refrigeration units,” said Marc Trahand, Vice President and General Manager of ConMet eMobility. Who noted that the zero-emission refrigerated trailer battery system is charged without shore power or pre-charging; it is charged 100% by regen braking from the ConMet eHub.
ConMet noted other zero-emission trailer benefits:
• Eliminates the need for diesel fuel for the TRU;
• Improves overall vehicle fuel efficiency;
• Regenerative power eliminates the need for shore power;
• Reduces friction brake wear;
• Allows for access to restricted emission and restricted noise urban zones;
• Can be paired with an electric tractor for a fully zero-emission vehicle;
• Lightweight, modular packages allow for customization to fit all vehicle types, lengths, and sizes;
• Removal of diesel engine, fuel, and fuel tank allows for net zero weight add; and
• ConMet eMobility is already in negotiations for a commercialization partnership to provide zero-emissions packages nationwide.
The company is also currently offering fleets the opportunity to trial the eHub by contacting [email protected].
Click here to see all of our TMC Fall 2021 Meeting coverage.
