The commercial vehicle manufacturer Krone organized the "Truck Efficiency Run powered by Krone" for the first time during the Truck Grand Prix 2025 at the Nürburgring. The aim of the event was to evaluate the efficiency potential of different drive technologies and driving styles under real conditions. According to the company, the competition was embraced by drivers from all over Germany. The results are expected to provide concrete insights into how driving style and vehicle technology affect fuel consumption and thus the economic efficiency in road freight transport.
Fuel consumption measurements on the Nordschleife of the Nürburgring
In three vehicle categories – Diesel, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas), and Electric – the most efficient drivers were recognized. The evaluation was based on measurements taken during a drive on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife. In the Diesel category, Colin Guppy from Hövelmann Logistik GmbH & Co. KG was victorious. In the LNG category, Lukasz Marszal from Reinert Logistics GmbH & Co. KG won. The best
efficiency performance in the Electric segment was achieved by Rolf Isermann from the Duvenbeck Group. According to the organizers, all three drivers impressed with their forward-thinking and resource-conserving driving.
eTrailer shows further savings potential in transport
In addition to the main competition, an eTrailer was also used, driving outside the competition. The electrically assisted trailer system was developed in cooperation between Krone and Trailer Dynamics. According to Krone, the eTrailer showed saving potentials of up to 50 percent in fuel consumption, depending on the specific application profile. The use of such technologies could therefore make a significant contribution to CO₂ reduction in the transport sector.
Simon Richenhagen, Krone's marketing manager, explained that the Efficiency Run aimed to take a holistic view of transport efficiency by involving people, machines, and technology. According to Krone, the event is intended to highlight the importance of driving style in the discussion on sustainable transport solutions.
“With the Efficiency Run, we wanted to show how transport
efficiency can be measured under real conditions – and how crucial the person behind the wheel is. It is the professional drivers who are on the road with the vehicles every day and make the difference with their driving style,” said Richenhagen.
Another "Efficiency Run" not ruled out
Technology alone is not enough – it only unfolds its potential through experienced hands. A continuation of the “Efficiency Run” format is not ruled out. The company reports overwhelmingly positive feedback from those involved.
Krone and Trailer Dynamics already used a racing series in 2023 to draw attention to the eTrailer. Back then, the “Mission Record Run” for the Goodyear FIA ETRC racing series showed how much fuel and CO2 emissions the trailer with the powered e-axle can save.
Background of the eTrailer
The eTrailer is a fully electrically driven trailer, where one of the trailer axles is replaced by an electric eAxle. This supports the primary drive of the tractor unit with
electric motors – both during starting, driving, and uphill driving. Simultaneously, the system enables recuperation, allowing braking energy to be recovered and used efficiently
A modular lithium iron phosphate traction battery with selectable capacity (187, 367, or 551 kWh) serves as the energy storage. A cloud-based software called "Predictive Drivetrain Control" (PDC) manages the energy usage along the route using real-time data (topography, traffic, weather, and vehicle status)
Economic and ecological advantages of the eTrailer:
- Reduction of diesel consumption and CO₂ emissions by an average of 40 percent compared to conventional trailers according to the manufacturer
- When combined with battery-electric tractors, the range additionally increases significantly
- Can be used independently of the manufacturer and is designed for TCO parity (Total Cost of Ownership equal to standard trailers)
- The battery can be changed via swapping technology
Trailer Dynamics has tested the system in field trials with partners such as DB Schenker, DSV, and BMW Logistics and plans to be ready for series
