Tailor-made solution for e-tractors: the e-optimized KÖGEL LIGHT PLUS

Kögel Trailer GmbH presents its new e-optimized Kögel Light Plus. This trailer is specially designed for e-trucks and is suitable for zero-emission tractor units of all brands and for use in a wide range of industries. It is based on the tried-and-tested Kögel Light Plus, which enables more payload and saves fuel thanks to its lightweight design.

With the slow but steady increase in the number of zero-emission tractor units on Europe's roads, EU Directive 96/53/EC is becoming increasingly important. There are signs of growth in the heavy-duty electrified commercial vehicle segment in 2026. The market share of these vehicles is expected to increase from around 3 % in 2025 to more than 5 % in 2026 (ING Research study). Sales of heavy e-trucks are likely to increase to around 20,000 units based on the model. The main drivers of this development include the stricter EU CO₂ standards, an increasingly wide range of BEV models, falling operating costs and the expansion of the charging infrastructure. The extension of the toll exemption for zero-emission trucks until 2031 also plays a role.

EU directive as a guideline

EU Directive 96/53/EC allows the maximum permissible gross train weight for electric tractors to be increased by up to 2 tons in order to compensate for the additional battery weight of the electric drive. At the same time, however, the same dimensional and axle load limits continue to apply as for diesel tractors. In practice, this regulation can lead to the permissible rear axle loads on the tractor unit being exceeded, especially if the additional battery weight is primarily on the drive axle and cannot be distributed evenly across the train.

Although the directive allows a total towing weight of up to 42 tons for electric tractors (instead of 40 tons for diesel tractors), the axle load limits remain unchanged and must be adhered to. For example, the maximum permissible load on the drive axle of the tractor unit is still 11.5 tons. In the combination of standard semi-trailer and e-tractor unit, this value is already exceeded in many cases. The additional battery weight therefore directly reduces the available payload of the semi-trailer. Vehicle manufacturers are faced with the challenge of integrating the additional weight of the e-drive into the axle load distribution without exceeding the legal limits.

The Kögel solution

Kögel is now offering its customers with e-tractors the e-optimized Kögel Light Plus. Thanks to the 300 mm shorter wheelbase from the kingpin to the first trailer axle, it reduces the pressure on the drive axle of the tractor unit by up to 2 tons compared to a standard curtainsider vehicle. This effectively prevents the drive axle from being overloaded. The short axle spacing also ensures that tire wear is not increased when cornering. In addition, the trailer's castering behavior is optimal both when loaded and unloaded.

If a transport company uses an e-truck with a standard trailer, the maximum payload with a uniform load is around 20 tons. When using the e-optimized Kögel Light Plus, up to 4 tons more payload can be achieved - depending on the type of e-tractor. In combination with a system for dynamic wheelbase control, a further increase of around 1 ton is possible. In this case, the maximum permissible gross train weight of 42 tons can be fully utilized.

At the same time, digital scales based on WIM (weight-in-motion) technology are to be increasingly used in Germany in the future alongside traditional stationary scales. This will enable overloading to be detected and penalized much more quickly and efficiently. Possible consequences include fines and the mandatory unloading of parts of the freight.

With the e-optimized Light Plus, Kögel offers a practical, technically sophisticated solution for the central challenges of electric heavy-duty transport. Transport companies benefit from higher payloads, legally compliant axle load distribution and maximum efficiency in the use of emission-free tractor units. In line with its guiding principle „Because we care“, Kögel is thus making a concrete contribution to increasing efficiency and to the successful transformation towards sustainable logistics.

Your contact for this press release:

Isabell Unseld
Public Relations Manager
Phone +49 151 40203941
Isabell.Unseld@koegel.com