Successful EcoDuo pilot project

TÜV Rheinland provided scientific support for the EcoDuo pilot project, and the results confirm the significant savings potential, and efficiency gains available. Compared to using two tractor units, each with a standard semi-trailer, the EcoDuo reduced diesel consumption and the corresponding CO₂ footprint by 27.6 per cent. Road freight transport can be made more efficient by significantly reducing the number of journeys undertaken, while maintaining the same transport volume. The standard semi-trailers are fully rail-compatible, allowing seamless integration into existing intermodal logistics processes. Reduced CO2 emissions and lower road load per axle make an active contribution to protecting the climate and infrastructure. In addition, TÜV Rheinland states that there is a significant reduction in the load on roads and bridges.

Andreas Schmitz says: "Schmitz Cargobull will continue to campaign for the EcoDuo concept to be included in the positive network for long trucks in Germany and cross-border transport in Europe. I urge political decision-makers to pave the way for this. We must urgently create framework conditions that actively promote the transition to climate-friendly freight transport without additional burdens. Only in this way can we strengthen the competitiveness and innovative power of Europe as a business location." 

Technical concept and use:
• The EcoDuo consists of two standard three-axle semi-trailers connected by an unsteered dolly.
• It is compatible with any tractor unit and rail transport.
• The total length is 31.7 metres, and the permissible total weight varies depending on the country (44 tonnes in the German pilot project, up to 72 tonnes in Spain, and up to 76 tonnes in the Scandinavian countries).
• The weight is distributed across ten axles, which reduces the load on the road.
• Since 2018, the EcoDuo concept has been tested and further developed in various European countries.
• Following successful pilot projects in Finland, Sweden, Spain and Germany, the concept has received several accolades, including the Green Truck Innovation Award 2019, the European Transport Prize for Sustainability 2020 and ‘The Future of Logistics’ award at IAA Transportation 2024.
• Effective 1 December 2023, EcoDuo will be approved for up to 74 tonnes in Sweden.
• Spain will approve the concept as a ‘duo trailer’ in 2024 with 72 tonnes.
• At the end of September 2025, the one-year pilot project in Germany, which was scientifically monitored by TÜV Rheinland, was successfully completed.