New Zealand’s first fully electric semi- trailer has been launched ahead of a local trial for the new zero-emissions transport solution.

The Schmitz Cargobull S.KOe COOL three-axle semi-trailer is equipped with an electric refrigeration unit, high-voltage battery system, an e-axle generator and integrated power electronics.

The introduction of the S.KOe COOL trailer is the latest initiative in an eight-year partnership between local trailer market sales leader Fruehauf NZ and German company Schmitz Cargobull.

Electric energy recuperated from a 20kW e-axle generator attached to the second axle of the trailer powers the refrigeration unit, taking the place of a diesel generator. The energy harvested while driving at speeds above 60kph and braking is stored in a 32kWh lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery pack which is protected by the trailer’s landing gear.

An intelligent battery charging management function ensures the battery charge level remains as high as possible to provide greater reliability when the vehicle is stationary, for example in traffic jams.

The trailer is being trialled by Fruehauf NZ as part of a technology demonstration co-funded by the EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) Low Emission Transport Fund.

Fruehauf NZ Managing Director Jeff Mear says the trailer will initially be tested in-house before allowing multiple customers to trial the unit themselves. He invited customers to register with Fruehauf for an opportunity to trial the trailer.

“It’s not a gamechanger, but it’s another step in technology to advance our decarbonisation goals,” Mear said at the Fruehauf Expo on August 14 where the trailer was launched.

Among the other speakers at the Fruehauf Expo was the Hon. Judith Collins, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology, who said the technology showcased in the trailer was part of the future.

“This sort of technology will drive productivity in this country,” she said.

Schmitz Cargobull are the first manufacturer to gain European type approval for a trailer employing this technology and the S.KOe COOL was awarded the

European Transport Sustainability Award 2024 in the semi-trailer category.

The first unit to arrive in New Zealand is one of two launching in the Southern Hemisphere with South Africa also beginning trials with one unit.

Among the benefits of the technology, Schmitz Cargobull says the weight of the battery and e-axle are offset by the elimination of a diesel generator and fuel tank. The hybrid refrigerated trailer is also fully self-contained and can be towed any tractor unit.

The 13.5-metre semi-trailer can carry 33 Euro pallets or 26 ISO pallets.

Electrification also makes the trailer extremely quiet, enabling early morning and late evening deliveries in urban areas. It’s been developed for operation in European cities which are planning for emission-free inner city distribution transport.

The technology in the trailer isn’t limited to the e-axle and battery system. A key part of the trailer is the advanced Trailer Connect telematics capability that allows monitoring of temperature, geo fencing of cargo and tyre pressure monitoring.

And the insulation properties of the Schmitz Cargobull trailer play an important role in enabling it to be fully electrified.

“The trailer is the most energy efficient in the New Zealand market,” said Mear.

Fruehauf NZ has received a $200,000 co-funding grant from the Low Emission Transport Fund administered by EECA to demonstrate the semi-trailer in New Zealand conditions.

The electrified semi-trailer was one of 19 different transport projects to receive support in LETF projects announced last year.

The LETF supports the demonstration and adoption of low-emission transport technology, innovation and infrastructure to accelerate the decarbonisation of the New Zealand transport sector.

Fruehauf NZ says that once the technology has been tested in New Zealand conditions, it plans to import the e-axle generator and battery components to build electrified trailers locally.