HVIA Chief Technical Officer Adam Ritzinger co-presented on the topic of powered trailers at this year’s Technical and Maintenance Conference in Melbourne with CEO and Co-founder of HVIA member VE Motion, Dean Panos.
Powered trailers is a concept that HVIA has been working through with industry and stakeholders in Australia, whilst members such as VE Motion progress the crucial work on the hardware and software systems that will underpin the new trailer technologies.
A powered trailer differs from a conventional heavy trailer in that it features an axle capable of recuperating energy normally lost as waste heat through braking. It can transform that energy into electrical energy for storage in a battery, which can then be used to power ancillary equipment and even provide motive power to the trailer itself.
Adam brought attendees up to speed with the an overview of the powered trailer concept, and what differences in technology mean regarding the current state of Australia’s regulations, which were not developed with powered trailers in mind.
He covered HVIA’s advocacy work, which is leading up to the imminent release of HVIA’s ‘Powered Trailer Trial Guidelines’, intended to assist in discussions between organisations wishing to trial powered trailers in Australia, and the road managers that will review the trial applications and issue operating permits.
Dean covered VE Motion’s powered trailer designs in detail, quantified the benefits of the technology, and outlined the company’s roadmap for completing a series of on- and off-road local and overseas trials throughout 2025 and 2026 with freight operations in diverse applications.
A common thread throughout both presentations was that Australia has previously set its own standards for innovation and productivity, proudly builds its own world-leading heavy trailer equipment, and has the technical knowledge and skills necessary to bring these new innovations to fruition.
To hear more about HVIA’s Powered Trailer work, or join its working group, contact Adam Ritzinger at a.ritzinger@hiva.asn.au.