The electrification of heavy-duty vehicles is one of the major challenges facing the transport sector to reduce its carbon footprint. Although the rise in sales of low-emission medium and heavy-duty trucks -electric and hydrogen cell-electric- in China last December, reaching 10% of total sales, it is true that this is a segment where sales of medium and heavy-duty trucks still in China last December, reaching 10% of total sales, the truth is that this is a segment where there is still a long way to go.

Range Energy, a California startup, is offering an innovative solution to reduce emissions from heavy trucks: it is manufacturing trailers that have their own battery and electric motor, effectively turning the truck into a hybrid vehicle. The company will test this equipment in the coming months with several carriers in California and expects to start commercial production by the end of 2025.

Range, which raised $23.5 million in financing from a group of investors, hopes to take advantage of subsidies offered in California to decarbonize heavy haul trucking. California, which plans to ban the sale of diesel trucks from 2036, has created a $1.9 billion fund to facilitate the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The trailer designed by the company reduces the emissions of a conventional heavy truck by up to 70%.