Trailar is an ultra-thin, flexible solar film matting system fitted to the roof of a truck and directly connected to its battery. The energy generated is used to power all on-board ancillary equipment, including tail-lifts, so it reduces maintenance costs, extends battery life and lowers emissions due to less engine idling.
During independent trials at Millbrook, fuel savings of 5.2% were achieved on a rigid truck and 2.3% on a tractor and trailer system.
The solar film matting is 2mm thick and weighs 2kg per square metre, so has no impact on payload. Trailar works in any natural light, and is designed to absorb and generate maximum energy as quickly and efficiently as possible.
The solar system can be retrofitted to any truck roof; the matting is maintenance-free, requires no intervention from the driver, and will last for the lifetime of the vehicle.
The system has been adopted by DHL, which fitted Trailar to 16 of its 18-tonne rigids on a contract with Primark. During a 12-month trial, the vehicles achieved a 5% fuel saving compared to non-solar vehicles on the same contract, and carbon emissions dropped by 64 tonnes in the same period.
“If a combination of cost saving and environmental impact can be achieved in conjunction with each other, then we are all for it. This is why we chose to engage in the Trailar project,” says Wendy Foster, Primark’s fleet manager.
Ryder VP and managing director David Hunt says: “We are excited to be partnering exclusively with Trailar on its innovative solar technology for commercial vehicles. This is a unique opportunity to help fleet operators deliver on their green credentials while at the same time reducing their maintenance costs and boosting their uptime.”
Trailar was founded by two former DHL employees, Aaron Thomas and Denny Hulme.
On the deal with Ryder, Hulme says: “This is an exciting time for all involved... We can now offer Ryder’s customers a fantastic opportunity to turn their vehicle fleets greener and cleaner while at the same time achieving considerable fuel savings.”