DB Schenker Set to Pilot Test Electrified Trailers from Range Energy in Late 2024

As part of its sustainability strategy, DB Schenker collaborates with Range Energy to test innovative electric trailers, with full production expected by 2026.

DB Schenker, a major player in the North American logistics industry, is gearing up to test Range Energy’s electrified trailers in a pilot program scheduled for the latter half of 2024. This initiative aligns with DB Schenker’s commitment to sustainable logistics and is part of a broader effort to enhance fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in their extensive trucking operations.

Ranked No. 25 among the largest logistics companies and No. 3 in air freight forwarding in North America, DB Schenker boasts substantial infrastructure, including 23.7 million square feet of dry storage space across 91 facilities. The pilot program with Range Energy aims to integrate electric power into the traditional logistics model by utilizing innovative trailers equipped with e-axles, battery packs, and smart kingpins, designed to decrease diesel consumption significantly.

George Henry, Executive Vice President of Land Transport for DB Schenker in the Americas, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Partnering with Range for this pilot allows us to explore electric trailers’ potential and aligns with our goal of pursuing sustainable and efficient logistical solutions.”

The Mountain View, California-based startup, Range Energy, is not new to such pilot programs, having conducted trials with different carriers throughout 2023. For 2024, the company plans six additional trials, each spanning one to two weeks, according to Ali Javidan, CEO of Range. The trials aim to optimize route planning, payload management, technical support, data collaboration, and charging logistics.

Further emphasizing their commitment to innovation, Range announced the beta version of their trailers would be launched in May, following an unveiling at the CES conference. Production is set to scale from beta versions to “release candidate” trailers in 2025, with the transition to small series production poised for the end of 2025 or early 2026.