The approach sets it apart from competitors
Range Energy's trailers are battery-powered and intelligently designed to 'drive' themselves, reducing the load on the tractor. Operational efficiency is also enhanced by the ability to self-cool and power communication and safety systems. In addition to this, the Californian startup differentiates itself from competitors such as Volvo and Tesla by being able to produce batteries similar in size to those found in passenger electric cars. In addition, the trailers are compatible with both diesel and electric tractor-trailers, which could be a good option for many companies as they transition to greener trucks and meet challenging sustainability goals. According to CEO Ali Javidan, the integration could reduce millions of emissions a year and save companies significant fuel costs. This is borne out by Mesilla Valley Transportation Solutions' trials last year. According to those, Range Energy's semi-trailers can save more than 36 % in fuel, and were tested at maximum speed and in a variety of scenarios.
An idea that has caught the attention of both the private and public sectors
Based on the goal of decarbonising cargo transport and demonstrating the viability of its systems, Range Energy has already entered into several partnerships. According to Businesswire, Dot Transportation, the largest food distributor in North America, wants to evaluate the potential of refrigerated trailers in a pilot project, while Northern Refrigerated Transportation has already begun testing semi-trailers in California. Meanwhile, Range Energy has extended its collaboration to the public sector. The South Coast Air Quality Management District's Air Pollution Control Agency initiative is dedicated to manufacturing and developing technology for trucks heavier than 33,000 pounds (more than 13,600 kg). To further encourage adoption of the electric trailer system, Range Energy has launched a Dealer Advisory Council. This is made up of dealers whose expertise is being used by the startup to expand in the market and accelerate the adoption of sustainable technologies.
Sustainable transport is being held back by a number of factors
Meanwhile, electric semi-trailers could solve at least some of the challenges that trucking faces in the transition to sustainability. The downside of electric trucks is that they need more energy and longer charging times, which is further hampered by the limited availability of charging stations. The aforementioned Northern Refrigerated Transportation finds Range Energy semi-trailers more suitable because they can also be charged during regular loading, improving efficiency. Nevertheless, other challenges remain. Charging networks are expensive and time-consuming to set up, not to mention that the initial cost of the vehicles is also not the lowest. While the cost of a diesel truck might cost a business around $180000, for an electric truck it would be more than $400000. The batteries themselves are also an issue, as they are heavy and reduce the load capacity of the truck. As with passenger electric vehicles, companies may be deterred by the lower range and reliability of the batteries in different weather conditions, which directly impacts performance. Finally, there are pressing issues around the sustainability of battery production, including resource extraction and waste recycling.
The European Union has introduced new rules
Heavy duty vehicles (HDVs), which include trucks and buses, are vital to global trade and transport. But they pose challenges for the environment that need to be addressed through norms and innovations. Looking at the European Union, emissions from HDVs in the road transport sector account for more than 25 % of the total, according to the European Commission, while they account for 6 % of the total. The solution should be the revised regulations of the Fit for 55 programme, which came into force in June this year. These stipulate a reduction of 45 % by the end of this decade, 65 % by 2035 and 90 % by 2040. The EU aims not only to reduce emissions, but also to boost the market for zero-emission vehicles, facilitate the expansion of charging infrastructure and ensure a cleaner and more sustainable power grid, and more. [1]
Olívia Lacenova, principal analyst at Wonderinterest Trading Ltd.
[1] Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and current expectations, which may be imprecise, or on the current economic environment, which may change. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance.They involve risks and other uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements.
