The German eMobility Association (Bundesverband eMobilität- BEM) has requested the Federal Ministry for Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV)approve electric trailers for commercial vehicles immediately.
So far, electric trailers have not been recognized by German law, and the current vehicle registration in the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is not sufficient, states the eMobility Association.
Since the beginning of the year, the BEM has been creating a separate vehicle category for e-trailers, promoting the offsetting of the environmental impact on the road toll and making all other preparations for the e-license plate and the adjustment of the driver’s license classes and vehicle documents.
“Our first e-trailer prototype has been in operation since 2018 and has proven that it can enable up to 16% fuel savings and CO2 emission reductions of up to 13.5 tons per vehicle per year,” said Christiaan Verschueren, Global Head of System Solution Trailer at ZF Group.”
In his statement, he also underlined the importance of the technology approval for the business location and the continued existence of jobs:
“Trailer technology will play a decisive role in making road freight transport more cost-efficient and thus more competitive. The electrification of semi-trailers will raise the energy efficiency of commercial vehicles to a whole new level.”
Creating a legal framework for using e-trailers must be an urging matter for some hauliers in the German market, as the pressure for providing sustainable transportation grows and more and more companies are investing in electric trailers.
It was only two weeks ago when Trans.INFO reported ON DB Schenker’s latest significant spending; The company signed a pre-order deal for 2,000 e-trailers.
Photo credits @ ZF