Range Energy and ZF Collaborate to Drive Adoption of Electric Trailers in North America
Range Energy (Range), a pioneering company dedicated to bringing electric-powered trailers to the commercial trucking industry, has announced an innovative partnership with ZF, a leading global technology supplier. The collaboration aims to accelerate the development and widespread adoption of Range’s eTrailer System, positioning electrified trailers as a transformative solution for commercial fleets across North America.
This strategic alliance will see the integration of ZF’s AxTrax 2 e-axle into Range’s eTrailer System, addressing critical fleet requirements such as fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and extended operational range. By leveraging ZF’s advanced electric mobility technology, Range and ZF seek to scale hybrid and zero-emissions trucking solutions, offering fleet operators an effective way to modernize operations while meeting sustainability targets.
A Sustainable Solution for Commercial Trucking
The commercial trucking industry faces mounting pressure to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency amid growing regulatory demands and environmental concerns. Electrified trailers offer a compelling solution to these challenges, enabling fuel savings and emissions reductions without requiring significant changes to existing infrastructure.
According to John Hawkins, senior vice president of Commercial Vehicle Solutions at ZF, the partnership aligns with ZF’s commitment to sustainable mobility. “We believe electrified trailers are a viable solution to help lower emissions for food delivery and goods transportation. They also enhance fuel economy for combustion engine powertrains, extend the range of battery-electric and hybrid trucks, and reduce exhaust, noise, and brake particle pollution. Additionally, they improve the total cost of ownership for fleets,” Hawkins said. “With Range’s market position, the company was a logical trailer partner for our AxTrax 2 e-axle in North America. Collaborating with Range not only expands the electric mobility applications of our products, but it also provides us with an opportunity to support an emerging leader offering a smart solution to emissions reduction in a hard-to-abate sector.”
Advancing Zero-Emissions Trucking with ZF’s AxTrax 2 E-Axle
ZF is widely recognized as a global leader in next-generation mobility, with technologies that are enhancing the efficiency and range of electric vehicles worldwide. The AxTrax 2 e-axle is a fully integrated, axle-based system featuring a compact design that maximizes available space for battery storage, thus providing trailer manufacturers with increased design flexibility for future vehicle concepts.
By synchronizing seamlessly with key vehicle functions—including braking, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and automated driving technologies—the AxTrax 2 e-axle enhances vehicle safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, its compatibility with digital telematics systems enables real-time data communication via CAN bus, offering improved monitoring and diagnostics for fleet operators.
Beyond supplying its cutting-edge electric axle, ZF is also leveraging its industry relationships to help Range Energy establish connections with component suppliers and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for trailers and tractors. These partnerships will play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of Range’s electrified trailer solutions across North America.
The Range eTrailer System: A Game-Changer for Fleets
Range’s eTrailer System consists of a modular battery pack, the ZF AxTrax 2 e-axle, and a smart kingpin that incorporates Range’s proprietary control algorithms. The system is designed to retrofit seamlessly with existing trailers, allowing fleet operators to upgrade their vehicles without the need for extensive modifications.
Early tests of the Range eTrailer System indicate significant economic and environmental benefits. The system is expected to deliver annual savings of up to $20,000 per trailer while simultaneously reducing emissions by as much as 70%. These advantages position Range’s eTrailer as a practical and scalable solution for fleet operators looking to comply with sustainability mandates without disrupting existing logistics networks.
Ali Javidan, CEO and founder of Range Energy, emphasized the importance of deploying electrified trailer solutions swiftly to support fleet owners in their transition to cleaner technologies. “Time is of the essence when it comes to getting solutions into the hands of commercial fleet owners and operators,” Javidan stated. “Ensuring smooth and consistent operations while evolving fleets to meet emissions reduction targets is critical. Partnering with a market leader like ZF in an effort to seize the electric trailer market in commercial trucking is both an honor and a strategic opportunity. With ZF, we aim to rapidly advance our platform using tried and tested components, further proving that electric-powered trailers can play a critical role in reducing the environmental impact of commercial trucking.”
Bridging the Gap Between Sustainability and Profitability
One of the biggest challenges fleet operators face in transitioning to cleaner transportation technologies is balancing sustainability goals with economic feasibility. While the upfront costs of electrified trailers can be significant, the long-term savings in fuel costs, maintenance, and emissions-related compliance costs make them an attractive investment.
The Range eTrailer System helps bridge this gap by offering a solution that enhances fuel economy for internal combustion engine trucks while extending the range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Unlike fully electric trucks, which require specialized charging infrastructure, Range’s eTrailers work with existing refueling and recharging networks, making adoption easier for fleet operators.
With fuel prices fluctuating and emissions regulations tightening, the ability to reduce operational costs while meeting sustainability mandates is becoming a top priority for fleet operators. By integrating electric propulsion directly into the trailer, Range’s solution ensures that even existing diesel-powered trucks can achieve significant efficiency gains and emissions reductions without requiring a full fleet overhaul.
Scalability and Industry Adoption
The key to widespread adoption of electrified trailers lies in scalability. Range Energy and ZF are taking proactive steps to ensure that the technology is not only effective but also accessible to a broad range of fleet operators across North America.
Initial customer deliveries of the Range eTrailer System are expected to commence this year. Several pre-production units have already been deployed in pilot programs across North America, allowing fleet operators to assess real-world performance before committing to larger rollouts.
Fleet managers who have participated in early pilot programs report noticeable improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions reduction, reinforcing the potential of Range’s technology to revolutionize commercial trucking. These real-world validations serve as crucial proof points for scaling up production and attracting more fleet operators to adopt electric trailers.
The Future of Electric Trailers in Commercial Trucking
As the transportation industry continues to shift toward sustainability, innovative solutions like the Range eTrailer System will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of freight and logistics. The partnership between Range Energy and ZF underscores the growing recognition that electrified trailers can be a practical, cost-effective, and impactful way to reduce emissions in commercial trucking.
With federal and state-level incentives encouraging the adoption of cleaner transportation technologies, fleet operators have more opportunities than ever to invest in sustainable solutions without compromising profitability. The Range eTrailer System, powered by ZF’s advanced electric axle, represents a step forward in making electrified trucking more accessible and economically viable.
By combining Range’s expertise in electrified trailer solutions with ZF’s leadership in next-generation mobility, this collaboration is setting a new benchmark for the commercial trucking industry. As Range Energy moves forward with its mission to decarbonize freight transportation, partnerships like this one will be essential in driving the transition to a cleaner, more efficient future.
In the coming years, electrified trailers are expected to become a standard component of commercial trucking fleets, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and paving the way for a more sustainable supply chain. With the backing of industry leaders like ZF, Range Energy is well-positioned to lead the charge in this transformation, making electric-powered trailers a key part of North America’s trucking ecosystem.
