en.Wedoany.com Reported - Transport equipment solution provider TIP Group, electric drive system expert Nivalis Energy Europe, and trailer running gear specialist BPW jointly announced the launch of a non-refrigerated propelled semi-trailer pilot trial for German transport operator Sommer. The pilot, which began at the end of May, tests the Nivalis Powered Trailer Kit installed on a TIP Group trailer, aiming to evaluate its performance under real-world long-haul logistics conditions.
The system transforms a standard trailer into an intelligent self-assisting unit, reducing the energy demand on the tractor engine by actively contributing its own motion, without significantly increasing weight or altering driver operation. The system targets a reduction of up to 7,000 liters of diesel consumption per trailer annually, while cutting up to 18 tons of carbon dioxide emissions per trailer each year. The Nivalis system integrates an e-axle, jointly developed by Nivalis and BPW, directly into the trailer chassis. Unlike the company's previous e-Reefer platform focused on refrigerated transport, the Powered Trailer system reduces the energy demand of the tractor unit through propulsion assistance and energy recovery. The system's battery receives energy from three sources simultaneously: the e-axle during braking, rooftop photovoltaic solar panel arrays generating up to 3.7 kWp, and a 32A AC three-phase grid connection during parking.
The onboard Energy Management Unit (EMU) houses all power electronics components, the Integrated Power Distribution Unit (IPDU) coordinates all power flows, and a compact Human-Machine Interface (HMI) display is readable from the cab's side mirror. The system also feeds real-time and historical performance data to Nivalis' telematics platform, providing fleet managers with comprehensive information on energy generation, savings, and system health, while supporting predictive maintenance alerts and over-the-air software updates.
Pavel Gilman, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Nivalis Energy Europe, stated that the system focuses on reducing fuel costs, minimizing intervention in customer operational processes, and improving sustainability, aiming to demonstrate how the transport industry can gradually move away from fossil fuels without requiring special investments or infrastructure modifications. Christian Schütz, Head of Fleet and Asset Management for the Central Region at TIP Group, believes the key question lies in the system's performance under real-world transport conditions. Hans Werner Kopplow, Head of R&D for Customized/E&I Solutions at BPW, noted that by focusing on utilizing collected energy and a strict downsizing approach, the system lowers the profitability threshold, and this configuration is considered to be at the economic balance point of the total cost of ownership for propelled semi-trailers.
In terms of certification, TIP has successfully obtained the necessary approvals for this trailer configuration, enabling its registration and use in EU and EFTA countries. The Nivalis high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack complies with UN 38.3 certification, and the electric powertrain meets UNECE Regulation No. 100, with no additional permits or training required for drivers to operate it.
Rogier Laan, Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing at TIP Group, stated that this pilot allows the company to assess whether propelled semi-trailers can deliver measurable benefits in daily use and contribute to decarbonization. Based on the pilot results, TIP and Nivalis plan to explore broader deployment options across Europe.
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