DB Schenker’s Role in Groundbreaking Electrification Project
Founded way back in 1872, DB Schenker has long been established as one of the world’s leading logistics service providers.
These days, in addition to offering first-rate logistics and global supply chain management solutions from a single source, the organisation is laser-focused on ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.
In practice, this translates as continuous investment in innovative transport solutions, renewable energies and low-emission products for customers.
Look no further than its ongoing project for Envision Energy, which involves transporting almost 250 wind turbine blades from China to India in support of the latter’s energy transition.
Elsewhere, DB Schenker has joined forces with Trailer Dynamics and Contemporary Amperex Technology Ltd (CATL) to begin work on a groundbreaking initiative aimed at implementing battery-swapping technology (BST) for electric trailers in Europe.
A commitment to efficient transportation
DB Schenker’s partnership with Trailer Dynamics and Contemporary Amperex Technology has been launched with a feasibility study for the creation and implementation of battery-swapping stations capable of servicing the future needs of electrified trailers and, potentially, electrified trucks across Europe.
The initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of battery charging for heavy goods traffic. It establishes the foundation for developing systems that allow batteries to be swapped quickly and efficiently, thereby increasing the range and uptime of electric vehicles (EVs) in the European transport sector.
Battery-swapping systems are particularly suited to accommodate the unique and dynamically changing requirements of eTrailer users. This will result in greater vehicle availability due to reduced charging times, improved operational efficiency and decreased reliance on conventional charging infrastructure.
The estimated swapping time of five minutes and the selection of multiple battery modules according to the required use case not only improves the efficiency of the logistics process in electrified heavy goods transportation, but also the commercial parameters.
"This project is a clear commitment of DB Schenker to a low-emission and efficient transport industry in Europe,” explains Wolfgang Janda, EVP at DB Schenker Europe.
"Battery swap technology will play a crucial role in overcoming charging infrastructure challenges and supporting the market ramp-up of zero-tailpipe-emission heavy goods transport specifically in Europe.”
Dedicated to electrification
As a world-leading logistics service provider, DB Schenker is set to contribute its huge network and extensive experience in logistics management to the battery-swapping initiative. It will assess suitable locations for testing battery-swapping stations and design a forward-looking map of potential sites across Europe.
Trailer Dynamics, meanwhile, is a pioneer in eTrailer technology, providing an innovative electric drive train solution aimed at reducing diesel consumption and CO2 emissions and extending range for electric trucks and semi-tractors of the future. The firm will oversee the mechanical and electrical integration of the swappable batteries into its eTrailer systems and provide prototype eTrailer models for review. It will adapt its battery expertise to the eTrailer concept and provide essential technical data for the design of the battery-swapping stations.
“With this project, Trailer Dynamics emphasises again its first-mover strategy in the field of the eTrailer ecosystem,” comments Abdullah Jaber, CEO at Trailer Dynamics.
"Battery swap technology has the potential to maximise the uptime of our vehicles and reduce CO2 emissions throughout Europe.”
CATL – a leading global innovator in new energy technologies – brings advanced capabilities in the electrochemical field and a comprehensive platform covering battery design, manufacturing, and application.
Akin Li, Executive President of Overseas Business at CATL, adds: “We’re excited to combine our technology and experience with the industry knowledge and operational expertise of DB Schenker and Trailer Dynamics to accelerate the transition to emission-free transportation in Europe.”
The participating companies’ cooperation sends a strong signal to the European market demonstrating their dedication to advancing the electrification of heavy-duty transport.
Over the coming months, more organisations covering logistics, energy supply and service provision are anticipated to join the expanding project.
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