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When it comes to electric trucking, the latest innovation involves upgrading long-haul trucks with a unique twist. A California-based startup called Revoy is offering an electric boost that works alongside diesel engines to reduce emissions and fuel costs without significant disruption.
In 2025, the transportation sector was identified as the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. For the first time, heavy-duty trucks surpassed passenger vehicles in terms of pollution output. This makes freight transportation a prime target for emission reduction efforts. However, electrifying the industry poses challenges.
Electric semis are expensive, heavy, have limited range, and take a long time to charge. Many trucking companies, especially small operators, operate on thin profit margins and cannot afford extended downtimes. Public fast-charging infrastructure for trucks is limited, and the lack of demand is deterring investors from building more stations, creating a bottleneck.
Revoy’s solution takes a different approach. Instead of replacing the entire truck, they electrify the area between the cab and trailer.
How an electric dolly transforms diesel trucks instantly
Picture a standard diesel rig entering the highway. Everything looks normal until you notice a new addition between the truck and trailer. Revoy’s innovation is a sophisticated electric dolly equipped with its own motor and a large battery pack.
The dolly contains a 575-kilowatt-hour battery, putting it in the same category as fully electric semis. The clever part is that it doesn’t just follow along; it propels the truck forward using its own powered axle, giving the diesel engine a break and saving fuel. All of this is achieved without modifying the truck or trailer.
It connects to the truck’s fifth-wheel hitch using a smart kingpin and plugs into the existing air and electrical lines between the cab and trailer. Installation is quick and tool-free, taking just minutes.
Electric truck conversion with smart driving features
Revoy’s dolly not only extends the truck’s range but also enhances its intelligence and safety features. Equipped with sensors and cameras, the dolly monitors blind spots and sends real-time data to a driver’s smartphone app. It improves lane stability, assists in steering corrections during crosswinds, provides regenerative braking to recharge the battery, and enables automated reversing, particularly useful in tight spaces.
Drivers do not need to learn new systems, as there are no additional dashboards. The truck operates as usual, with added power, control, and safety features.
EV battery swapping simplifies truck charging
Charging electric freight trucks has always been a challenge. Even the fastest chargers take at least 30 minutes to fully charge a truck battery. Revoy circumvents this issue by introducing a battery swapping system. Instead of charging, truckers can exchange their depleted dolly for a fully charged one at a Revoy swap station in about five minutes, faster than refueling a diesel tank.
The first swap stations are operational in Texas and Arkansas, with more planned for the future. As the network expands, the vision of hybrid diesel-electric freight becomes more feasible. If a route does not have a Revoy station, the truck can operate on diesel alone and drop off the dolly at the last location.
Electric conversion for trucks without upfront costs
Capital expenses are a concern for many truckers and fleet operators. Revoy’s leasing model eliminates this barrier. Instead of purchasing the dolly, they can lease it per mile, avoiding capital investments and maintenance responsibilities.
The system is designed to be cost-effective, with estimated annual savings of over $5,000 per truck primarily through reduced fuel consumption. Some fleets have reported significant fuel efficiency improvements, making this solution practical for the majority of long-haul routes.
Global potential for the electric truck add-on
While Revoy initially developed its dolly system for single-trailer rigs in the U.S., the concept has global scalability. Countries like Australia, with extensive highways and ample sunlight, could support dolly-swap stations powered by solar energy. Imagine swapping a charged dolly in remote areas instead of waiting for a charger.
Other countries with twin-trailer configurations would require modifications, but the core idea remains powerful: electrifying trucks without complete replacements. The technology is modular, the logistics are scalable, and the potential impact is significant.
Key takeaways
Electric trucks may still be years away from mainstream adoption, but solutions like Revoy’s electric add-on are already addressing current challenges. It offers speed, intelligence, and compatibility with existing trucks, presenting a smart alternative to completely overhauling the industry. This system provides a way to power trucks more efficiently without the need for brand-new vehicles.
Is adding electric power to diesel trucks a brilliant interim solution or a distraction from necessary changes? Share your thoughts and feedback at Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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