Kögel unveils ‘e-optimized’ version of its Light Plus semitrailer
Thanks to the 300 mm shorter wheelbase from the kingpin to the first trailer axle, the new Kögel Light Plus semitrailer reduces the pressure on the drive axle of the tractor unit by up to 2 tons compared to a standard curtainsider vehicle.
The German semitrailer manufacturer has recently unveiled its new e-optimized Kögel Light Plus. The trailer “is specially designed for e-trucks and is suitable for zero-emission tractor units of all brands and for use in a wide range of industries”, as stated by Kögel.
Looking at the overall scenario, EU Directive 96/53/EC allows the maximum permissible gross train weight for electric tractors to be increased by up to 2 tons in order to compensate for the additional battery weight of the electric drive. At the same time, however, the same dimensional and axle load limits continue to apply as for diesel tractors. In practice, this regulation can lead to the permissible rear axle loads on the tractor unit being exceeded, especially if the additional battery weight is primarily on the drive axle and cannot be distributed evenly across the train.
Kögel Light Plus, designed for e-truck weight distribution
In cocrete terms, although the directive allows a total towing weight of up to 42 tons for electric tractors (instead of 40 tons for diesel tractors), the axle load limits remain unchanged and must be adhered to. For example, the maximum permissible load on the drive axle of the tractor unit is still 11.5 tons. In the combination of standard semi-trailer and e-tractor unit, this value is already exceeded in many cases.
Now, thanks to the 300 mm shorter wheelbase from the kingpin to the first trailer axle, the new Kögel Light Plus semitrailer reduces the pressure on the drive axle of the tractor unit by up to 2 tons compared to a standard curtainsider vehicle. This effectively prevents the drive axle from being overloaded.
In short, if a transport company uses an e-truck with a standard trailer, the maximum payload with a uniform load is around 20 tons. When using the e-optimized Kögel Light Plus, up to 4 tons more payload can be achieved – depending on the type of e-tractor. “With the e-optimized Light Plus, Kögel offers a practical, technically sophisticated solution for the central challenges of electric heavy-duty transport. Transport companies benefit from higher payloads, legally compliant axle load distribution and maximum efficiency in the use of emission-free tractor units”, stated the German trailer maker.
