Future Truck Position Paper 2017-5: Recommendations Regarding Future Trailer Energy Efficiency and Performance

Significant opportunities exist to collect or harvest energy using systems or technology on the trailer for improving the energy efficiency of the vehicle combination. Two such sources, solarenergy collection and regenerative braking are being investigated in earnest and are in the early stages of commercial development. The purpose of this paper is to facilitate increasedperformance and energy efficiency for trailers. Additionally, this paper offers goals for energy efficiency improvement related to the design and operation of semi-truck trailers to encourageand accelerate development of appropriate technology.

Issued: October 2017