In the race to electrify heavy-duty trucks, California-based startup Range Energy is focusing on a unique solution: electrifying the trailer instead of the tractor. While companies like Tesla, Volvo, and Freightliner have launched electric tractor-trailers, this segment remains inefficient, with charging and infrastructure challenges. Big rigs make up only 10% of all vehicles but are responsible for almost 30% of carbon emissions, emphasizing the need for innovation in this space.
Range Energy’s approach involves retrofitting trailers with their own battery and motor systems, designed to reduce the load on the tractor. “By electrifying the trailer itself, we’re tackling the problem from a new angle,” says Range Energy CEO Ali Javidan. The Range system includes a battery, a motor powering one of the trailer’s axles, and a “smart kingpin” that helps the trailer adjust to the tractor’s movements, effectively making it feel “weightless” for the driver.
The electrified trailer is also capable of powering its refrigeration, communication, and security systems—tasks that typically require costly diesel. According to Javidan, a single fleet using Range’s technology could reduce emissions by up to 100 million pounds of CO2 annually and save $50 million in fuel costs.
Northern Refrigerated Transportation, piloting Range’s trailers in California, sees this setup as a promising alternative. Traditional electric tractors pose challenges for the company due to their lengthy charging times, which can delay operations. With Range’s trailers, the units can be charged overnight at loading docks, minimizing downtime and addressing a major barrier to full-fleet electrification.
Despite the advantages, hurdles remain. Northern Refrigerated Transportation notes that scaling up requires addressing infrastructure issues, such as upgrading power access at properties, and weighing the initial costs of the trailers. Range Energy has raised $31.5 million in funding from backers like R7, UP.Partners, Trousdale Ventures, and Yamaha Motor Ventures, which believe in the potential for these electrified trailers to revolutionize the freight industry.
R7 founder Tyler Engh highlights the startup’s potential, emphasizing that electrifying trailers could accelerate adoption of hybrid and electric systems even in diesel fleets. While charging infrastructure is still evolving, Range Energy’s technology allows trucking companies to use the power available at loading docks, enabling a more flexible and cost-effective transition to electrification.