Kögel unveils Light Plus, e-optimized trailer
As the European transport sector pivots toward sustainability, Kögel Trailer GmbH has announced a strategic solution to one of the most pressing hurdles in heavy-duty electric transport: the "payload gap." On March 4, the company unveiled its new e-optimized Kögel Light Plus, a trailer specifically engineered to maximize the efficiency of zero-emission tractor units.
The timing of this release coincides with a significant shift in the market: According to ING Research, the market share for electrified heavy-duty commercial vehicles is expected to climb from 3% in 2025 to over 5% in 2026, with sales likely reaching 20,000 units. This growth is driven by stricter EU CO₂ standards, expanding charging infrastructure, and the extension of toll exemptions for zero-emission trucks until 2031.
However, transitioning to electric fleets presents a unique regulatory challenge. While EU Directive 96/53/EC allows electric tractors an additional two tons of gross train weight to compensate for heavy battery systems, axle load limits remain unchanged. In many cases, the weight of the batteries causes the tractor's drive axle to exceed the 11.5-ton legal limit when paired with a standard trailer, forcing operators to reduce their freight volume to stay compliant.
Weight optimized
Kögel’s engineering response focuses on weight redistribution. The e-optimized Light Plus features a 300 mm shorter wheelbase from the kingpin to the first trailer axle. This modification reduces the pressure on the tractor’s drive axle by up to two tons compared to standard curtainsider vehicles, effectively preventing overloading while maintaining optimal castering behavior and minimizing tire wear during cornering.
The economic impact for logistics providers is substantial, the company suggests. While a standard trailer paired with an e-truck typically manages a payload of approximately 20 tons, the e-optimized Light Plus adds up to four tons of additional capacity. When combined with dynamic wheelbase control, operators can gain another ton, allowing them to fully utilize the 42-ton maximum permissible gross train weight.
This innovation is particularly critical as authorities in Germany and elsewhere move toward WIM (weight-in-motion) technology, which allows for the rapid detection and penalization of overloaded vehicles. By ensuring legally compliant axle load distribution, Kögel aims to help transport companies avoid fines and the operational delays of mandatory unloading.
Through this launch, Kögel aims to reaffirm its "Because we care" philosophy, providing a technically sophisticated tool for the successful transformation toward sustainable logistics.