German start-up Trailer Dynamics has secured €25m (£22.03m) in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to accelerate the company’s scale-up, production, and market rollout of its electric trailers.

Trailer Dynamics specialises in e-trailer technology. The company has developed a proprietary electric trailer with an integrated electric drivetrain that can be paired with any truck - reducing diesel fuel consumption in conventional trucks or extending range in battery-electric trucks.

By pairing a conventional truck unit with an electrically-powered trailer with its own battery and electric motor, logistics operators can cut fuel consumption by up to 40% compared to diesel-only lorries.

When combined with electric truck units these can extend the range from around 400km to 700km meaning fewer charging stops and more deliveries per day, and making long-haul zero-emission transport a reality. Its innovative powertrain software ensures efficiency, safety, and full interoperability for logistics fleets.

“The energy transition cannot wait — it needs solutions that deliver real impact today and compete head-on with fossil-based methods,” said EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer.

“Trailer Dynamics’ e-trailer technology does exactly that: cutting emissions, reducing fuel costs, and extending electric truck range without compromising on performance or affordability. By backing this innovation, we’re helping Europe accelerate towards cleaner, smarter freight transport.”

Michael W. Nimtsch, Trailer Dynamics chief financial officer, added: “We are genuinely excited to join forces with the European Investment Bank and to have their support behind our electrified trailer technology.

“The funding provided by the EIB represents a strong vote of confidence in our mission and will play a crucial role in scaling our solution across Europe.

“This partnership is more than a milestone for us — it’s a meaningful step toward accelerating decarbonisation across commercial transport and proving that cleaner freight is within reach.”

Dr. Stefan Binnewies Trailer Dynamics supervisory board chairman commented: “This partnership with the European Investment Bank demonstrates how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand.

“The EIB’s funding enables us to scale our technology faster and make a tangible contribution to reducing emissions in road freight. It’s an encouraging signal that Europe is ready to lead in the decarbonisation of transport.”

Europe’s freight sector faces mounting pressure to cut emissions and costs, with growing zero-emission and electric-trailer usage across leading EU fleets.

Electrification is considered the most effective way to do this, but operators are held back by the limited battery range and availability of electric truck units, and a large existing stock of diesel trucks.

Trailer Dynamics said its solution enables operators to act now, bridging the eHGV gap, reducing emissions from existing diesel fleets while extending the capabilities of new electric trucks.

The new technology will help logistics companies adapt to the challenges of limited electric truck range, rising fuel costs and tightening regulations

New European and national rules are driving change in freight transport, with the European Parliament approving stricter CO₂ standards for trucks, buses and trailers.

Trailers now face targets—a 10% emissions reduction by 2030 with certification required from last year onward. This is accelerating investment in smarter, electric trailers, with fleet operators needing to upgrade to remain compliant and competitive.

This new technology will allow manufacturers to reduce emissions of trailers by 10% by 2030, and avoid facing substantial penalties per trailer.

Each e-trailer is equipped with electric axles, wheels powered by their own motor, powered by lithium iron phosphate batteries, providing propulsion support and optimising energy use.

At the heart of the system is Trailer Dynamics’ smart energy system, which monitors and controls the electric axle in real time for maximum efficiency and safety.

The e-trailer is designed for full compatibility with any truck brand - a must for logistics operations where trailers and trucks are coupled and uncoupled multiple times a day.

They can also be used with existing diesel trucks, allowing fleets to be gradually upgraded rather than replaced.

The EIB loan is supported by the InvestEU programme, which aims to trigger more than €372bn in additional investment in new technologies until 2027. The deal is aligned with the InvestEU objective of promoting research, development and innovation.

In the UK, there is currently no mandate to reduce trailer emissions by 10% by 2030.

The new European rules on trailers are controversial and have met with some resistance from trailer manufacturers. Eight trailer manufacturers are currently taking the European Union (EU) to court claiming the climate regulations on trailers are “detached from practical realities” and will increase emissions.

The group, which includes Schmitz Cargobull, Krone and Kögel Trailer and accounts for over 70% of annual registrations across Europe, said key provisions in Regulation 2024/1610 introduced binding CO₂ reduction targets for trailers – despite the vehicles not emitting any carbon.

They claim the regulations reduce load volume, lead to more empty running and increase traffic – and increase CO₂ emissions.