Posted by The following is from Commercial Carrier Journal.
Electric truck startup Range Energy is developing a powered trailer that pushes the limits of what a trailer can do. With its own electric motor, large onboard battery, and intelligent control systems, the trailer is designed to provide just enough propulsion or regenerative braking to feel “weightless” to the truck, reducing strain on the tractor and boosting performance and safety.
Filmed on-site at ACT Expo 2025 in Anaheim, California, Clean Trucking senior editor Jay Traugott tours the Range trailer and speaks with President and CTO Ali Javidan, a former Tesla and Zoox engineer. While the trailer on display wasn’t functioning live, we got an in-depth look at its key components, including the drive module and energy module, and the thinking behind this innovative approach to electrifying freight.
What makes the trailer “smart” is that it senses in real time how much force the truck is applying and responds automatically, without needing a data connection to the tractor. Whether it’s an old diesel rig or a brand-new Tesla Semi, the Range trailer works autonomously. In addition to its ability to feel “weightless” to a tractor, the Range system also improves hill climbs, fills power between shifts, and reduces braking distance on snow and ice.
Javidan explains how the system not only improves fuel efficiency and reduces maintenance needs but also creates a smoother, more controlled driving experience for truckers. With its compatibility with any class 8 tractor, Range’s powered trailer offers a glimpse at a smarter, safer future for long-haul trucking, starting with the part that’s been overlooked the longest: the trailer.