EIB invests 25 million euros in Trailer Dynamics

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is investing 25 million euros in the German start-up Trailer Dynamics, a technology pioneer for the electrification of trailers. The funding will accelerate the company’s scaling, production, and market introduction of the technology, strengthening Europe’s leadership role in the electrification of road freight transport.

(Pressebox: Aachen) Trailer Dynamics offers a groundbreaking solution for the decarbonization of heavy-duty transport with its eTrailer technology. It enables the combination of a conventional tractor unit with an electrically powered trailer. With the supporting drive of the eTrailer, logistics companies can reduce fuel consumption by an average of 40 percent compared to pure diesel trucks.

In combination with electric tractor units, eTrailers can extend their range from about 400 kilometers to 700 kilometers. This means fewer charging breaks and more deliveries per day – making emission-free long-distance transport a reality. The innovative software for the drivetrain ensures efficiency, safety, and full interoperability of logistics fleets.

EIB Vice President Nicola Beer: “The energy transition cannot wait – it needs solutions that deliver real impact immediately and can compete with fossil alternatives. The eTrailer technology from Trailer Dynamics does exactly that: it reduces emissions, lowers fuel costs, and increases the range of e-trucks without compromising on performance or affordability. We support this innovation to help Europe transition to clean, smart freight transport more quickly.”

A great vote of confidence for the mission

Michael W. Nimtsch, CFO of Trailer Dynamics: “We are very pleased to collaborate with the European Investment Bank and their support for our electrified trailer technology. The EIB funding is a significant vote of confidence in our mission. It plays a crucial role in rolling out our solution across Europe. For us, this partnership is more than a milestone – it is an important step to accelerate the decarbonization of commercial transport and prove that clean freight transport is possible.”

Stefan Binnewies, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Trailer Dynamics: “The partnership with the European Investment Bank shows how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand. With EIB funding, we can scale our technology faster and make a concrete contribution to reducing emissions in road freight transport. It is an encouraging signal that Europe is ready to lead the way in the decarbonization of transport.”

The European logistics industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions and costs, and more and more leading EU fleets are relying on emission-free electric trailers. Electrification is the most effective way, but limited battery range, a lack of electric tractor units, and a large stock of diesel tractor units have so far hindered fleet operators. With the solution from Trailer Dynamics, they can now take action: it bridges the electrification gap for tractor units, reduces emissions from existing diesel fleets, and expands the possibilities for new electric tractor units.

European and national regulations drive the shift in freight transport

The new technology helps logistics companies tackle challenges such as limited ranges of electric tractor units, rising fuel prices, and stricter regulations. New European and national regulations are driving the shift in freight transport. The European Parliament has adopted stricter CO₂ standards for trucks, buses, and trailers. There are now targets for semi-trailers as well: a 10 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and certification requirements starting in 2024. This accelerates investments in smart, electric trailers. Fleet operators must retrofit to remain competitive and compliant.

With the new technology, manufacturers can reduce trailer emissions by 10 percent by 2030, thereby avoiding significant penalties per trailer. Each eTrailer is equipped with an electrified axle powered by two eMotors. Lithium iron phosphate batteries provide the energy, support the drive, and optimize energy use. At the heart is the intelligent drivetrain control from Trailer Dynamics, which monitors and controls the electrified axle in real-time – for maximum efficiency and safety. The eTrailer can be freely combined with any tractor unit – a must in logistics, where trailers and tractor units are coupled and uncoupled multiple times a day. Since the eTrailer can also be combined with existing diesel trucks, operators do not need to replace their fleet but can retrofit gradually.

Photos: © Trailer Dynamics