SAF-HOLLAND Group of Bessenbach, Germany and French company Lohr Industrie, a specialist in truck bodies and trailers for transporting cars, have entered a strategic partnership to advance the development of electric trailer axles. The first prototype deliveries are expected to take place shortly, allowing customers to realise significant benefits in terms of their operating costs.

The two companies jointly developed the electric trailer axle, AXEAL (AXle Electric Assist Lohr) – a version of which was displayed at the IAA in September 2018. This works completely independently of the tractor unit's main drive. By providing traction assistance, the tractor unit operates at a more optimal duty point and SAF-Holland claims, as much as 15% less fuel is consumed. The central mechanical system includes a differential, a reduction gear and a power take-off. When not in use, the electric motor can be disconnected from the transmission to drive peripheral systems, such as a hydraulic pump. SAF-Holland states its contribution to the overall AXEAL system is the electrically driven trailer axle, SAF TRAKe.