Shape-Shifting Aerodynamic Trailer

The problem

A large share of UK trailer running is empty or part-loaded, still pushing a full-size box through the air. On an electric truck that drag costs range as well as money, and range decides which work the truck can take on.

What's being tested

Aeroflow's trailer walls move inward to a teardrop profile when the load doesn't need the full box, then back out when it does. Nothing hangs outside the trailer's normal footprint and no capacity is lost. A pneumatic system moves the walls at the press of a button.

The trial moves from controlled to real-world conditions. Track testing at Millbrook Proving Ground behind a battery-electric tractor unit runs through November and December, with the pneumatic system fitted and tested in December. Real-world running on live operating routes follows in January, alongside driver feedback, with results written up in February.

How we'll know

Energy use in aero mode against full-box mode, empty and part-loaded, on the same tractor, track and speed profile, giving a percentage efficiency figure with test conditions and uncertainty stated. Walls reconfiguring correctly on every cycle, safe behaviour if air pressure is lost, and driver feedback on usability. Zero incidents.

Why it matters

Aerodynamics gets far less attention than charging, but drag affects every truck on every run. A trailer that's efficient when part-loaded saves fuel today and extends range on electric trucks.

Results

Published at the end of the trial.