Focus on electronic mobility concepts with the Schmitz Cargobull eTrailer

September 2020 - Electric mobility concepts are playing an increasingly important role in reducing harmful emissions. With precisely this in mind, Schmitz Cargobull has equipped the S.KO COOL SMART semi-trailer with an electric axle and an electric cooling unit featuring integrated power electronics and a battery system.

The purely electrically-powered S.CUe cooling unit with integrated power electronics omits a combustion engine, and is designed to cool and heat without generating any emissions. This provides cooling (up to 15,900 W) and heating (9,100 W) without any restrictions. Instead of the diesel tank, batteries are now installed on the landing gear. The modular design principle enables scalable battery capacity right from the launch. The smallest battery variant (34 kWh) is capable of running on electric power for up to 4.5 hours, depending on the usage and demands. The batteries are recharged via the mains using the standard CEE three-phase connection. Recharging takes approx. 1.5 hours (for a full battery charge) with the 34 kWh battery version.

In addition, the system is equipped with an electrified Schmitz Cargobull trailer axle, which recuperates energy during braking, for example, reducing the time required to recharge the battery via mains power. On a vehicle without an electrified axle, the battery is not recharged while driving. In contrast, a vehicle with an electrified axle recharges the battery during the journey, either minimising or entirely eliminating the need to recharge the battery using mains power at the distribution centre. Naturally, this also minimises waiting times at the distribution centres. An intelligent strategy serves to ensure that the battery’s charge remains as high as possible to provide the greatest possible reliability when at a standstill, such as in traffic jams. The performance class of the electrified axis is precisely matched to the requirements of the cooling unit. 

When it is launched, the system will be fully integrated into the Schmitz Cargobull telematics system, enabling the respective system status such as the battery charge level, remaining range, remaining charging time, etc., to be monitored via the telematics portal.

The product is an ideal solution for transport companies that provide urban distribution services or primarily serve routes between different distribution centres. The entire system is specifically tailored to these applications. In many large cities, especially in the Netherlands, distribution traffic will be characterised by ‘zero emission zones’ in the inner cities. With this product, Schmitz Cargobull offers the solution to ensure that customers can continue to drive into city centres without any problems due to the electrically-powered cooling unit in combination with an emission-free tractor unit. 

In addition, Schmitz Cargobull also offers a completely integrated solution from a single supplier, unlike other manufacturers. All of the components are coordinated and harmonised with each other. Integration into the smart telematics solution from Schmitz Cargobull offers customers added value. The power electronics components installed in protected locations inside the cooling unit. The integrated battery replaces the diesel tank. As a consequence, the 34 kWh version requires no additional space. With this innovation, Schmitz Cargobull makes an important contribution to CO2 reduction and takes responsibility for optimised ecological transport and logistics concepts. In keeping with its core values of ‘reliability and innovation’, Schmitz Cargobull is continuing to bring visions for environmentally friendly drive alternatives to life.