Wabash announced that it was selected to receive a $1.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office (SETO) to support a research and development project to decarbonize the commercial transportation industry.

The three-year project, set to begin next year in partnership with the University of Delaware’s Center for Composite Materials, focuses on integrating high-efficiency solar energy into refrigerated trailers and truck bodies. This innovation will play a pivotal role in making zero-emission mid-mile transportation a commercially viable option.

“This project has the potential to revolutionize refrigerated transport by reducing reliance on the electrical grid and minimizing overall emissions,” said Michael Bodey, director of technology discovery and innovation at Wabash. “While many of today’s zero-emission products focus on tailpipe emissions, they still draw power from energy grids, which often rely on non-renewable sources. Our goal is to offer a truly green solution — a well-to-wheel approach — that accounts for the full life cycle of energy consumption, from production to usage.”

Innovative Technologies Aim to Overcome Electrification Barriers

Wabash will use its proprietary EcoNex Technology, a composite material designed to enhance thermal efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Meanwhile, the University of Delaware will contribute its proprietary TuFF technology, which utilizes recycled aerospace-grade carbon fiber, to strengthen and lighten the trailers and truck bodies.

“By incorporating lightweight solar panels and utilizing EcoNex Technology in refrigerated trailers and truck bodies, we are addressing two of the most significant barriers to electrification: weight and energy consumption,” Bodey explained. “EcoNex not only improves the insulation and performance of the trailers but also contributes to overall weight reduction, making the solution even more efficient.”

Positioned to Advance Sustainable Mid-Mile Transportation

Wabash is the only trailer and truck body original equipment manufacturer (OEM) selected for this government grant, highlighting its focus on sustainability and innovation. 

By targeting mid-mile transportation, the project aims to create a flexible solar energy system that can be CARB-compliant across different vehicle types without requiring fully electric platforms to meet compliance.

This initiative is part of the DOE’s Silicon Solar Manufacturing and Dual-Use Photovoltaics Incubator Funding Program, which supports advancements in PV technology across the supply chain and fosters new markets for American products. The outcomes of this project will help Wabash continue to evolve its technology ecosystem and green its supply chain to serve its customers’ sustainability goals better.