Electrified Trailer Axles: Is this the future?

Let’s be honest—trailers have always been the silent tag-alongs. They roll, they brake, they chill the odd fridge. But what if they could do more? What if your trailer could help push the load, slash your fuel bill, and make the whole setup safer?

Welcome to the world of electrified trailer axles—where the back half of your rig finally pulls its weight.

Not Just Braking—Back-Up Power and Brains

Most folks know about regenerative braking by now—grab the energy from slowing down and use it to power your trailer’s gear. But here’s where things get interesting: some newer systems can actually assist the truck. That’s right—your trailer can add torque when needed, helping out during hill climbs or when taking off from the lights.

That raises a real question: If your trailer could give you a boost, why wouldn’t you let it?

And here’s the kicker—this effectively creates a hybrid system, no matter what you’re running up front. Diesel tractor? You’re now hybrid. Electric unit? Even better. Hydrogen rig? Still works. This system is agnostic—it doesn’t care what’s pulling it, it just gets to work.

So now you’ve got to ask: Are you making the most of every axle in your setup—regardless of fuel type?

Big Fuel Savings, Bigger Thinking

Depending on the setup—plug-in or pure regen—you could be looking at fuel savings anywhere from 16% to 40%. That’s not a small dent in the diesel bill. That’s a rethink-your-entire-fleet kind of number.

How much are you spending each year just dragging dead weight?

Safety Gets a Serious Upgrade

Because the axle provides power—not just resistance—it gives your trailer a more balanced ride. It adds traction in wet conditions, helps manage loads on corners, and supports smoother, safer braking. It doesn’t just follow your truck—it works with it.

Are your current trailers doing enough to keep your drivers—and your freight—safe?

Power for Fridges, Gates, and More

No more robbing the truck to keep the trailer fridge humming. These axles can run auxiliary systems straight from the energy they generate or store. Quiet, independent, and perfect for urban deliveries or long-haul logistics alike.

Could your cold chain run cleaner, quieter, and more reliably—without diesel?

Lower Wear. Less Fuss.

By reducing the load on your truck’s engine and brakes, you’re stretching out the lifespan of your prime mover and keeping maintenance down. It’s not just saving fuel—it’s saving wear and tear across your whole setup.

Is your current rig built to last—or just built to cope?

So, What’s Your Move?

This tech isn’t some future fantasy—it’s already being trialled, tweaked, and tuned for the road. At Ten4, we’re always looking for what’s next in smart, sustainable transport. And we reckon the trailer shouldn’t be the lazy one in the combo anymore.

TL;DR

• Electrified trailer axles = regenerative braking + power assist
• Hybrid system, no matter your tractor unit type
• Up to 40% fuel savings, fewer emissions, smoother hauls
• Boosted safety, better fridge uptime, lower truck wear

💬 Over to you—what role should trailers play in the next chapter of NZ transport?
Let us know your thoughts. The future’s rolling closer than you think.

Engineered for the Longhaul. Let’s build smarter trailers—together.