Range Energy this week debuted its next generation electric-powered trailer system, the RB-01, at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo in Las Vegas.
The RB-01 is the next iteration in Range’s series of trailer systems with initial tests yielding 47-67 percent miles-per-gallon (mpg) improvements, equivalent to a 32-40 percent reduction in fuel costs. Notably, during its transit to ACT, the tractor towing the RB-01 achieved 18.1 mpg during the final 281.6 miles between Bakersfield, Calif., and Las Vegas The results from this trip included a 2,000-ft., net elevation gain and 12,000 ft., total of climbing with ambient temperatures as high as 105 degrees Fahrenheit, the company says.
“Decarbonizing commercial transportation is reliant on companies like Range that can innovate quickly and efficiently as well as make an immediate operational impact without disruption,” says Ali Javidan, CEO and founder, Range. “The RB-01 represents a natural evolution in our technology development and continued efficiency and emissions reduction improvements that are critical today for the commercial transportation industry. We’re committed to trailers serving as the necessary gateway to electrification, but also being a long-term partner for fleets as they future-proof their operations.”
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Range states its electric-powered trailer system includes an e-axle, 200 or 300 kWh battery pack, and smart kingpin, and is built with hardware and software components that are sourced from Range’s supply chain partners. Improved results shown by the RB-01 highlight Range’s continued progression of its trailer system to ease the transition to electric for fleet owners and operators, and in doing so, significantly reduces emissions and improves the efficiency of fleets’ diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks in the near-term, the company says.
