Kögel Trailer GmbH will present the KÖGEL COOL LITESHELL and e-optimized KÖGEL LIGHT PLUS at IAA Transportation 2026. The two trailers highlight Kögel’s Efficiency Engineering approach, focusing on payload, energy consumption, axle load distribution and the overall efficiency of transport operations.
Kögel COOL LITESHELL Reduces Trailer Weight
The award-winning KÖGEL COOL LITESHELL demonstrates how reducing trailer weight can improve transport efficiency. Its innovative LITESHELL panels are used for the side walls and roof, eliminating the need for a conventional steel outer skin.
As a result, the refrigerated trailer is around 700 kilograms lighter than its predecessor. The lower tare weight creates additional payload capacity while also helping reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions.
According to Kögel, the COOL LITESHELL can achieve fuel savings of around 0.30 litres per 100 kilometres and reduce emissions by approximately 0.8 grams of CO₂ per kilometre. If the additional payload is fully utilized, the company states that this could theoretically eliminate around one trip in every 32.
E-Optimized Kögel LIGHT PLUS for Electric Trucks
Kögel is also presenting the e-optimized KÖGEL LIGHT PLUS, developed specifically for heavy-duty electric transport. The trailer received first place in the Chassis category at the International Trailer Award 2027.
Electric tractor units carry additional battery weight, which changes the weight distribution of the vehicle combination. While EU regulations allow zero-emission tractor units to operate at a permissible gross combination weight of up to 42 tonnes under certain conditions, axle load limits continue to apply.
This can make the tractor’s drive axle a limiting factor for payload. The e-optimized LIGHT PLUS addresses this challenge through optimized load distribution.
Up to Four Tons of Additional Payload
Kögel has shortened the distance between the kingpin and the first trailer axle by approximately 300 millimetres. This changes the load distribution and reduces the load placed on the tractor’s drive axle.
With a standard trailer, an electric truck can achieve a maximum payload of around 20 tonnes under even load distribution. Depending on the tractor unit, the e-optimized KÖGEL LIGHT PLUS can provide up to four tonnes of additional payload capacity.
Kögel Focuses on Efficiency Engineering
Both trailer concepts are part of Kögel’s Efficiency Engineering strategy. Instead of developing trailers as standalone products, the company focuses on the interaction between the tractor unit, trailer, payload and operating conditions.
For the COOL LITESHELL, reducing vehicle weight is the key efficiency factor. For the e-optimized LIGHT PLUS, the focus is on matching the trailer to the specific weight distribution of an electric truck combination.
Kögel plans to extend this approach across its LIGHT family. The KÖGEL MEGA LIGHT is scheduled to become available in an e-optimized version from the end of 2026, with additional models expected to follow.
Kögel Expands Its Transport Technology Network
Kögel is also strengthening cooperation across the transport value chain. The company is moving beyond the traditional manufacturer-trailer-customer relationship toward a broader partner network that brings together expertise in technology, digitalization, services and tractor-unit integration.
With this approach, Kögel positions the trailer as an increasingly important component of the overall transport system. Under the motto “We deliver your success,” the company is focusing on how trailer technology can contribute to the economic efficiency of complete transport operations.
