Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure generally pertains to freight trailers having onboard power. Aspects of the present disclosure more specifically are directed toward an electric freight trailer that can recycle the trailer braking energy of the towing vehicle, and also provide additional thrust to propel the freight trailer. Aspects of the present disclosure are also directed toward an electric freight trailer that can propel itself independently of a tractor, including steering and braking. Aspects of the disclosure are also directed toward additional subsystems that can utilize the trailer energy source.

Abstract: A braking regeneration and propulsion system for a passive trailer including wheels with axles includes a gear box to be operatively coupled to the axle; a motor/generator operatively coupled to the gear box; an energy storage system for storing captured energy and supplying energy; and a control computer to assist deceleration of the passive trailer by causing the axle to drive the motor/generator via the gear box and supply energy to the energy storage system during deceleration, and, assist acceleration of the passive trailer by causing the motor/generator to draw energy from the energy storage system and drive the wheels via the gear box and axle during acceleration.