One of the most interesting product reveals at this year's ACT Expo in Anaheim, California was Range Energy's innovative eTrailer, which can be used for both electrified and traditionally-powered semis.
Range Energy president and CTO Ali Javidan, a former Tesla and Zoox engineer, also spoke to us more in-depth about the eTrailer's advanced technology and general capabilities.
[Related: Learn how Range Energy's battery-powered trailer pushes the limits]
And now the company has announced the e-trailer has successfully completed vehicle dynamics and stability testing at the Transportation Research Center (TRC), North America's most advanced independent mobility testing facility.
The e-trailer successfully completed winter testing last March, so this latest round was focused on summer weather conditions, specifically dry pavement that increases the risk of rollover.
To combat this, Range added outriggers and anti-jackknife cables safety mechanisms to decrease the chances of tip-over during J-turns and double lane changes. The company further tested the eAxle's traction control during straight-line acceleration and braking, a process which was repeated on wet test surfaces.
All told, over 400 dynamic maneuvers were done to ensure both safety and overall system integration with standard truck braking and stability systems. Some of these maneuvers included a range of speed tests, payloads, and tractor configurations.
The eTrailer also boasts regenerative braking which, during critical maneuvers, slows the vehicle and reduces lateral force by up to 25%. This allows drivers to complete the same turn at the same speed without loss of control or rollover.
The company released this video where you can watch the eTrailer undergo a series of critical tests.
"Testing under extreme conditions and with aggressive maneuvers is critical to prove the intelligence and reliability of our control systems in real-world conditions," said Kyle Foley, head of engineering. "From fine-tuning traction control and delivering precise stability interventions through regenerative braking, to ensuring seamless compatibility with today’s truck brake systems, every element is designed to perform when it matters most. Testing at TRC goes beyond technical validation—it’s about building trust. Because when you’re moving freight, you’re carrying important goods that drive modern life and society forward."
