A project to build an electric powered converter dolly that can be integrated into an A-double combination is one of eight projects that have been funded by the iMOVE Co-operative Research Centre as part of the second round of its Impact Extension Program (IEP2).
The IEP2 provides a total of $2.7 million to help promising transport projects move from the lab into everyday life. Each grant ranges from $100,000 to $500,000 and all projects will be completed by September 2026.
The project – a partnership between Electric Haulage Australia (EHAULA), Wettenhalls, Bulk Transport Equipment and Tiger Spider – aims to develop an electric-powered trailer and dolly technology that can reduce the emissions of heavier vehicles operating at vehicle weights and distances that cannot be effectively addressed by electric trucks alone.
It estimates that “hybridising” standard diesel combinations with a powered “e-dolly” could save operators as much as 40 per cent in fuel costs immediately with lower capital investment.
Building on eight years of R&D and informed by international industry trends and regulations, EHAULA aims to develop two key modular products:
> ThunderHaul: Drive controller (Through-The-Road Parallel Hybrid) and drivetrain module designed for integration onto trailers and dollies. Available with a range of electric powertrains to suit different vehicle combination sizes. An optional battery swap interface is also available.
> LightningVault: Scalable battery pack to suit required range/weight restraints. Total kWh to be selected based on required trip lengths and balance payload impact.
In addition, the project will provide essential information needed to support regulatory changes necessary to allow powered trailers and dollies to be registered in Australia.
EHAULA will complete its testing program at the Australian Automotive Research Centre, demonstrating combination performance in fuel savings, braking stability and high-speed stability (via Performance Based Standards ‘Lane Change’ test). This will be used to gain regulatory approval for road access.
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