ConMet’s eMobility division is investing in electric trailer technology to decrease emissions and reduce brake wear on transport refrigeration units (TRUs). The announcement was made on Sept. 12 at the Technology & Maintenance Council Fall Meeting in Cleveland, Ohio.

The power behind ConMet’s zero-emission trailer comes from its Preset Plus Electric Hub (eHub). The in-wheel electric motor is paired with a ConMet PreSet Plus hub assembly, engineered to capture wasted braking energy and repurpose it as electricity.

The electricity is stored in a high-capacity, lightweight battery that sits beneath the trailer, which then powers the electric reefer to keep a fully loaded trailer cool without the need for diesel fuel. The energy can also power the eHub motors for robust, decentralized propulsion of the vehicle, while allowing quieter navigation in restrictive urban routes.

Hello Cleveland and #TMC 2021!@ConMet is kicking the show off this morning with a look at its new Zero Emissions 53-foot trailer. Essentially the entire trailer is powered by the company’s smart, regenerative wheel hubs/energy capture system. Powerful enough to run a reefer unit pic.twitter.com/nBxjE69Zz0

— Jack Roberts (@By_JackRoberts) September 12, 2021

The eHub debuted in 2019, but the updated design has been simplified for modularity, a better mechanical fit, manufacturing scalability, and updated software controls.

ConMet eMobility identified TRUs for the first eHub application, because the California Air Resource Board is set to enact a new set of regulations on TRU emissions by 2025, with more states expected to follow.

“The eHub system is now the most efficient way to completely replace the need for internal combustion engines in transport refrigeration units,” said Marc Trahand, vice president and general manager of ConMet eMobility at TMC.

The zero-emission trailer’s regenerative power eliminates the need for shore power, and its modular packages allow for customization to fit all vehicle types, lengths, and sizes.

ConMet eMobility is already in negotiations for a commercialization partnership to provide zero-emissions packages nationwide.