{
  "id": 19867413,
  "title": "Battery-powered trailers could slash diesel costs for truck operators",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/13/battery-powered-trailers-could-slash-diesel-costs-for-truck-operators",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-13T21:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-14/electric-trailers-cut-diesel-costs/107377776"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As trucking operators grapple with soaring fuel prices, electric trailers are emerging as a cost-saving alternative to prime movers. Dean Panos and Stephen Bussenschutt, founders of VE Motion, are developing battery-powered trailers that can reduce diesel consumption by up to 50%. The company, previously involved in diesel power generation and solar energy, saw an opportunity in the trucking industry and purchased an established trailer manufacturing business. VE Motion's first customer is Andy Divall, a livestock farmer and civil construction business owner who burns around 120,000 litres of diesel weekly. Divall is enthusiastic about the potential for electric technology to reduce his fuel costs and contribute to a more sustainable future. However, the transition to electric trucks faces challenges, including limited charging infrastructure, high costs, and the weight of batteries. Despite these hurdles, Australian manufacturers see promise in battery-powered trailers, particularly for heavy vehicle applications, and are working towards overcoming the barriers to widespread adoption.",
  "summary": "Australian trucking operators are trialling battery-powered trailers that could lower diesel consumption and cut emissions without replacing existing trucks.",
  "key_points": [
    "Electric trailers can cut diesel costs by up to 50%",
    "VE Motion, former diesel experts, develop battery-powered trailers",
    "Andy Divall, livestock farmer, tests electric technology for fuel savings"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}