5 myths (and realities) about e-axles and refrigerated trailers

Even before e-axle technology existed, the potential was compelling.

Capture kinetic energy from the road, and turn it into a reliable source of power for electric refrigerated trailers. As recently as this year, many fleet managers said this vision was still a few years off. At best.

Well, we’re here to dispel that myth—and a few others.

What is the real value of e-axle solutions in refrigerated transport?

Let’s start with this: e-axle solutions are here to stay.
Why? Because Thermo King’s AxlePower marks a turning point in e-axle technology. It surpassed other designs with very tangible capabilities, proving value for all fleets.

Curious to know how Thermo King does it differently?

Start browsing these myths (and realities) about e-axles. You’ll see why this groundbreaking technology deserves a second look.

Myth 1: Is e-axle technology worth the cost?

An e-axle investment needs to deliver measurable returns, especially if margins are tight.

So the better question is: can e-axles provide a positive ROI for your fleet?

Reality: We can calculate your unique ROI.

E-axle ROI is not one-size-fits-all. It depends on your operation’s specific use cases. That’s why Thermo King offers a free assessment. We help you calculate your operation’s unique investment return potential—based on your routes and utilization patterns, plus current fuel costs.

And from what we have seen so far, whatever your route, AxlePower is likely to save you money.

Myth 2: Does the e-axle’s weight increase the tractor’s fuel consumption? 

While it’s true that e-axles add some weight, field tests consistently show a net positive impact in fuel reduction. Here’s what you should consider. 

Reality: You always end up with a positive net fuel saved

The energy provided by the e-axle for refrigeration reduces the overall fuel spent. In every scenario, this saving exceeds any extra fuel the tractor uses due to the added weight.

Results may vary depending on the route, but the net effect with AxlePower is always positive, which can’t be said for all e-axle technologies.

How these fuel savings add to your sustainability, including the amount of CO2 emissions saved, can be tracked for your ESG reporting through the TracKing-e dashboard.

Myth 3: Do drivers have to manage e-axles? Are they too complex?

New technology raises fair questions about training, driver acceptance, and complexity. Do drivers need one more thing to worry about?

Reality: No driver intervention needed , they can focus on the road.

AxlePower prioritizes safety and ease of use. Thermo King’s signature Smart Power Management software switches automatically between four modes for optimal charging efficiency. Fleet managers can also make changes remotely. The system does not require any driver intervention.

How does it work? When the system detects changes to battery status, road slope, and driving patterns, it selects one of four modes:

• Recuperation Mode activates when the trailer is braking or traveling downhill, capturing energy that would otherwise be lost.
• Passive Mode engages when the battery is full, preventing overcharging.
• Active Mode kicks in when the battery needs recharging and you’re traveling over long, flat stretches.
• Active Fast Charge Mode adapts to more demanding usage profiles, ensuring maximum autonomy.

Drivers keep their focus on safety, and AxlePower handles the rest.

Myth 4: Do e-axles increase reliance on unstable energy prices?

It’s true that energy costs are increasingly unpredictable. The concern about trading diesel dependency for electricity dependency is worth considering, but that’s not how AxlePower works.

Reality: Many AxlePower users can run without battery for months.

AxlePower lets you go “off grid” for most of the time, making you more independent of electricity supply. In many instances, you can run for months without recharging, based on customer field tests.

Every aspect of AxlePower has been optimized to work in perfect symmetry for efficient operation. The system generates much of its own power. So you’re not plugging in regularly. You’re not scheduling charging stops. Instead, you’re harvesting energy from the road itself.

This isn’t about swapping one energy dependency for another. It’s about adding even more flexibility, range, and capabilities to your refrigerated transport fleet.

Myth 5: Are e-axles too expensive to invest in, especially in these economic conditions?

What if you could de-risk your e-axle investment by testing the technology without a purchase commitment?

Reality: Rent AxlePower without strings attached.

Thermo King’s rental program allows you to try before you buy. You can electrify your fleet without upfront capital investment through an all-inclusive monthly fee with flexible terms. Rent, extend, and buy options give you complete control over how and when you commit.

Test AxlePower in your actual operating conditions, validate the performance with your own data, and make the purchase decision only when you’re confident in the results.

Economic conditions don’t have to stop your progress toward electrification. They just change how you approach the investment.

Don’t overcomplicate your electrification process

The early skepticism about e-axle technology wasn’t wrong. It was based on systems that overpromised and underdelivered. The technology of today is different.

AxlePower represents years of refinement, field testing, and real-world validation. With our rental formula, you can experience the benefits of this flexible and empowering technology, without the financial risk that makes decision-makers hesitate.

Additionally, you get exclusive access to the widest dealer network in the market. This puts high-voltage certified technicians at your 24/7 disposal, ensuring your electric journeys run safely and without worry.

Like Laurent Debias said: “ When we started developing AxlePower, I kept returning to a simple ambition: electrification should be easy. Not disruptive. Not complicated. Easy. And if there’s one thing I want fleet managers to know today, it’s that AxlePower doesn’t ask you to change. Yet it will change everything for you.”

Ready to move past the myths and embrace a new era? Reach out to learn how AxlePower can support your electric refrigerated fleet.