Product development
Ekeri and Volvo Develop E-Trailer for the Future of Sustainable Transport
16.5.2025In collaboration with Volvo GTT and Volvo Penta, Ekeri has developed a prototype of an e-trailer, which is now being used in Sweden. The project, which began in the fall of 2024, has significant potential to reduce carbon emissions in the logistics sector and marks an important step toward a more sustainable future for the transport industry.
The prototype of the e-trailer was recently showcased at the REEL results conference in Gothenburg. The e-trailer functions as a range extender for electric trucks. It harnesses brake energy and can be combined with both battery-electric trucks and traditional trucks with combustion engines. The result is higher energy efficiency and lower emissions.
The initiative to develop the e-trailer prototype was based on a shared vision to explore and realize the transport solutions of the future. Saba Talimy, Product Manager for Electromobility at Volvo Penta, has taken a leading role in the early stages of the project. She sees the project as a positive step in the energy transition and emphasizes the importance of staying at the forefront of developing products that minimize CO2 emissions:
“Our transformation to truly sustainable solutions is at the core of everything we do. By expanding the use of our EV driveline platform, we strive to increase efficiency, safety, and create a great driving experience.”
– Saba Talimy, Product Manager for Electromobility at Volvo Penta.
Swedish Haulier Adopts the E-Trailer Immediately
The collaboration is not only about reducing environmental impact but also about creating clear added value for customers.
– The groundwork with planning, analysis, data, and a truly skilled team with broad expertise has led to the finished prototype. Collaboration and joint efforts have been crucial for this result. The key to the project’s efficiency has been the team’s regular meetings and close contact throughout the project, says Saba Talimy.
Erikssons Åkeri in Tomelilla will soon be testing the e-trailer in real-world operations in Sweden, where it will be part of the cold transport chain. This provides a unique opportunity to gather valuable data and evaluate how the e-trailer performs in daily use, as well as demonstrate its potential to a wider audience.
– We’ve conducted extensive simulations, but now we get the chance to see what it’s really like to use an e-trailer in daily operations and show the world its value, says Saba Talimy.
Potential Load Capacity Being Further Investigated
To ensure the success of the project, the project team has identified key areas of focus and development to ensure the successful implementation of e-trailers in the future.
– There are still uncertainties regarding, for example, legislation and weight restrictions. These aspects need to be carefully investigated to enable large-scale use of e-trailers in the future, notes Saba Talimy.
The e-trailer is heavier than a standard trailer, so it can carry less net load, but since the e-trailer is self-propelling, it feels much lighter for the towing vehicle. In food transport, where the focus is more on volume than weight, the e-trailer’s weight does not pose a problem.
Ekeri a Natural Partner for Volvo
“Ekeri is a leader in the Nordic region and is known for its expertise and innovations. It felt like a natural choice that we wanted to work with them. The project team has had great cooperation. It’s important to have trust in each other and be able to find solutions together”
– Saba Talimy, Product Manager for Electromobility at Volvo Penta.
The development of battery-powered vehicles is a global trend, and the collaboration between Ekeri and Volvo positions itself at the forefront of this development.
Saba Talimy points out that there are many advantages to driving with an e-trailer.
“For us who have worked on the project, the core is a shared journey towards truly sustainable solutions and improved drivability, which ultimately also improves the driving experience for our customers.”
– Saba Talimy, Product Manager for Electromobility at Volvo Penta.
E-trailer technical specifications:
- power 195 kW
- battery capacity 360 kWh
- charging 42 kW AC / 250 kW DC
The prototype of the e-trailer was recently showcased at the REEL results conference in Gothenburg. The e-trailer will soon be tested in real-world operations at Erikssons Åkeri in Tomelilla, Sweden.
Ekeri’s contact person for additional information:
Janne Lindholm, Technical Manager, Tel. +358 6 7887 865, janne.lindholm@ekeri.fi
Shortly about Ekeri
Ekeri is a leading Nordic manufacturer of high-quality and innovative truck and trailer bodies. With a strong customer focus, Ekeri offers tailored transport solutions that optimize efficiency and safety. Sustainability is important to Ekeri, which integrates environmentally friendly solutions and explores new technologies for a greener transport sector.
