This week, Range Energy launched its next generation electric-powered trailer system, the RB-01, at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) show in Las Vegas.
The RB-01 is the next iteration in Range’s series of trailer systems, with initial testing yielding 47-67 percent improvements in miles per gallon (mpg), equating to a 32-40 percent reduction in fuel costs. In particular, during its move to the ACT, the RB-01 towing tractor achieved 18.1 mpg during the final 281.6-mile run between Bakersfield, Calif., and Las Vegas. The results of this flight included a net ascent of 2,000 feet and 12,000 feet. The company says total climbing with ambient temperatures up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Decarbonizing commercial transportation depends on companies like Range that can innovate quickly and efficiently as well as deliver immediate, uninterrupted operational impact,” says Ali Javidan, CEO and founder of Range. “The RB-01 represents a natural progression in our technology development and continued improvement in efficiency and emissions reductions that are so important today for the commercial transportation industry. We are committed to trailers being 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 that the electric-powered trailer system includes an e-axle, 200 or 300 kWh battery pack and smart key fob, and is designed with hardware and software components sourced from Range’s supply chain partners. The improved results demonstrated by the RB-01 highlight Range’s continued progress in its trailer system to facilitate the transition to electric power for fleet owners and operators and, in doing so, significantly reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of heavy-duty diesel-powered fleet trucks. In the near term, the company says.
