Transport refrigeration technology company Carrier is partnering with commercial vehicle part supplier ConMet to add a regenerative braking system to trailer wheels on Class 7 and Class 8 vehicles.

ConMet’s PreSet Plus eHub system consists of an in-wheel electric motor that can recover energy from coasting and braking, store it in high-capacity batteries and send it to different parts of the vehicle as needed. It is also compatible with Carrier’s all-electric Vector trailer refrigeration system. The eHub can generate up to 156 kW in a braking event, and Carrier says the eHub’s motor can replace diesel engines, and contribute to fuel efficiency and noise reduction.

“By the end of this year, we will have electric options for customers in trailer, truck and light commercial vehicle refrigeration applications and new technologies such as this wheel hub power generation solution for trailers that can help further address environmental regulations,” says Carrier President of Refrigeration Tim White.

Source: Carrier via Green Car Congress