Guys this is a pretty basic setup, and it it does boost fuel economy by 30%. The cost of maintenance can be larger and still be cost beneficial.
By the description this doesn’t sound like a complicated system at all. Battery some motors and a few sensors and some code. Batteries probably add some weight to the trailer which may reduce the overall cargo it can carry but even that is likely marginal relative to fuel gains.
Definitely sounds like one of those “why didn’t someone think of this before” inventions. If the fuel gains are anywhere close to what is claimed this will likely be standard on most trailer in a short period of time, at least for the bigger fleets.
You didn't answer my question as to how much the charging trailer is going to cost and the increased cost for an electric tractor trailer .........
Tractor trailers break down on a regular basis and there are companies that can either tow them or repair them on site of breakdown. On site repair ain't gonna happen with an EV semi.
And for what it's worth, empty weight of an 18-wheeler is 35,000 pounds, and the loaded weight cannot exceed 80,000 pounds.
Do you realize the size and weight of the batteries needed to run that EV semi? The batteries alone will substantially reduce the max weight a semi is allowed to carry on to a weight station.
It’s the Prius-ing of trucks!