English
With the SAF TRAKr, SAF-HOLLAND offers a powerful, electric trailer axle that works both as an OEM part and for retrofitting. The electrical recuperation axle is efficient while offering environmental benefits and a secure investment for the future. It makes electrification of trailer fleets not only technically, but also economically appealing.
Inner city – no room for noise or emissions. Trailers that can run independently of a diesel engine are an ideal solution: The SAF TRAKr electric trailer axle from SAF-HOLLAND generates electricity for the trailer during journeys, enabling ecofriendly operation of auxiliary electrical units in the trailer. “With the modular SAF TRAKr electrical recuperation axle, we have developed a powerful and technologically pioneering electric axle. This allows us to offer crucial leverage on the path to a climate-neutral transport future,” explains Olaf Drewes, Director Group Innovation Trailer at SAF-HOLLAND.
Ecologically practical: electrical recuperation reduces emissions
The SAF TRAKr electric axle from SAF-HOLLAND combines the proven technical foundation of the INTRA axle with pioneering e-mobility, building on the company’s decades of experience. During driving, the centrally positioned highperformance generator unit of the SAF TRAKr converts kinetic energy into electricity – during braking or in overrun, for example. The energy generated by this
process is stored in a lithium-ion battery and can supply auxiliary electrical units in the trailer such as cooling units, heaters, tail lifts, hydraulic walking floors or electric forklifts. This reduces diesel consumption and the emission of CO2 and particulate matter. It also decreases noise pollution – a clear advantage for inner-city deliveries, night-time transports and logistics areas such as seaports and airports.
More efficiency during operation: energy during journeys
Energy generation during driving is a central benefit of the SAF TRAKr: The battery is charged through electrical recuperation – mostly omitting external charging breaks, which reduces costly idle times and additional electricity costs while increasing vehicle availability. For the driver, this results in more comfort, less noise and fewer daily tasks. The even torque take-off on both wheels distributes wear on the tires evenly, facilitating service scheduling while lowering running costs in the long term.
Robust and future-proof
The liquid-cooled SAF TRAKr achieves a maximum power of up to 20 kW and is available for axle loads of nine to ten tons. An air-cooled variant is currently undergoing an extensive trial phase. This variant is even manufactured without rare-earth elements – another contribution to saving resources. The modular structure enables integration with the proven SAF INTRA suspension and –
since 2024 – also with the MODUL system from SAF-HOLLAND. The combination of energy efficiency, environmental benefits and ease of maintenance makes the electric axle a future-proof solution for modern transport logistics.
Existing vehicles can also be electrified
As a fully electrified recuperation axle, the SAF TRAKr takes the longstanding suspension know-how of SAF-HOLLAND to the next level of development – for the production of new trailers but also for converting existing vehicles: Thanks to the plug-and-play concept, the retrofit is implemented over standardised interfaces, without any special vehicle adaptations. The same applies to maintenance: Components such as brake pads, brake discs or wheel ends are the same as for nonelectrified axles, simplifying the spare parts supply while also enabling easy integration of the SAF TRAKr into existing vehicle fleets.
More than just a technical innovation
After the SAF TRAKr has proven successful not only in Europe, but also in Australia under challenging conditions, the product is now gradually being launched in other regions as well. Whether as a new purchase or retrofit – with the SAF TRAKr from SAF-HOLLAND, any fleet operator can benefit from eco-friendly electric axles. The combination of technical innovation, economic benefits, low
noise emissions and easy integration into new and existing vehicles not only meets current legal requirements, but also offers fleet operators tangible advantages in daily operations. Drewes summarises: “The SAF TRAKr is more than just a technical innovation: It is a strategic building block for an emissionsfree future of transport!”
