Kögel unveils optimised semi-trailer for battery-electric tractors

Electric truck manufacturers face the challenge of accommodating the additional weight of batteries while staying within legal axle load limits. Against this backdrop, trailer manufacturer Kögel has expanded its portfolio with the ‘e-optimised Kögel Light Plus.’

The new model is based on the existing Kögel Light Plus semi-trailer and retains its lightweight design. However, the wheelbase between the kingpin and the first trailer axle has been shortened by 30 centimetres. According to the company, this modification reduces the load on the tractor unit’s drive axle and helps prevent it from exceeding permitted limits.

Kögel, based in Burtenbach in Bavaria, says the semi-trailer is compatible with zero-emission tractor units from all manufacturers and can be used across a wide range of transport applications.

The growing number of zero-emission tractor units on Europe’s roads has brought EU Directive 96/53/EC increasingly into focus. The directive allows battery-electric tractor units to increase the maximum permissible gross combination weight by up to two tonnes – from 40 to 42 tonnes – to compensate for the additional weight of the electric drivetrain. However, the existing dimensional and axle load limits dating from the diesel era remain unchanged.

“In practice, this regulation can lead to the permissible rear axle loads on the tractor unit being exceeded, especially if the additional battery weight is primarily on the drive axle and cannot be distributed evenly across the train,” explains Kögel.

Specifically, the permissible load on the tractor’s drive axle remains capped at 11.5 tonnes. According to Kögel, this limit is ‘already exceeded in many cases’ when combining a standard semi-trailer with a battery-electric tractor. The additional battery weight thus directly reduces the available payload of the semi-trailer. Vehicle manufacturers must thus carefully consider the increased weight of the electric powertrain in axle load distribution.

While companies such as Trailer Dynamics and ZF are focusing on e-trailers—developing electrification to create self-propelled semi-trailers—Kögel presents a different approach: an exceptionally lightweight trailer designed to relieve the load through its construction.

“If a transport company uses an e-truck with a standard trailer, the maximum payload with a uniform load is around 20 tons. When using the e-optimised Kögel Light Plus, up to 4 tons more payload can be achieved – depending on the type of e-tractor,” states an accompanying release. Furthermore, when combined with a dynamic wheelbase adjustment system, an additional increase of around one tonne is possible. In this case, the maximum permissible gross combination weight of 42 tonnes can be fully utilised.

According to the company, the 30-centimetre shorter wheelbase between the axles may also help reduce increased tyre wear during cornering. Additionally, the trailer’s tracking behaviour is described as ‘optimal’ in both loaded and unloaded states.

“With the e-optimised Light Plus, Kögel offers a practical, technically sophisticated solution for the central challenges of electric heavy-duty transport,” summarises the company. Transport operators benefit from higher payloads, legally compliant axle load distribution, and maximum efficiency when using emissions-free tractors. “Kögel is thus making a concrete contribution to increasing efficiency and to the successful transformation towards sustainable logistics.”

koegel.com