Revoy’s Battery On Wheels Makes Any Diesel Truck Electric In 5 Minutes

By Hussain A, The Electric Viking

Revoy, a San Francisco-based startup, has unveiled a swappable electric trailer dolly that can transform existing diesel semi trucks into hybrids without modifying their engines. The system, which features a massive battery and active safety tech, aims to cut emissions and operating costs for fleet operators. The first commercial deployment begins in Oregon this year.

How the Revoy Electric Dolly Works

The Revoy electric dolly is a self-powered unit designed to fit between a diesel tractor’s fifth-wheel hitch and its cargo trailer. Measuring 13 feet (3.96 meters) long and weighing 22,000 lbs (9,979 kg), the dolly houses a 575 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that powers an electrically driven axle.

When the driver accelerates, the dolly’s electric motor assists with propulsion, reducing the load on the diesel engine. During braking, the system switches to regenerative mode, recharging the battery and helping to slow the truck. The dolly also features active safety systems to prevent rollovers, flipping, and jackknifing, along with blind-spot detection and automatic reversing.

Performance and Operational Benefits

With the Revoy dolly attached, a standard semi hauling an 80,000 lbs (36,287 kg) gross vehicle weight can travel more than 200 to 250 miles (322 to 402 km) on electric power alone. This range is sufficient for many regional freight routes.

The system can boost average fuel economy from the typical 6 to 8 mpg (29.4 to 39.2 lt/100 km) up to 20 to 35 mpg (6.7 to 11.8 lt/100 km), and even reach 40 mpg (5.9 lt/100 km) on short-haul trips under 150 miles (241 km). The dolly is designed for quick swaps at highway hubs, allowing a depleted unit to be exchanged for a charged one in under five minutes.

Business Model and Commercial Rollout

Rather than selling the hardware, Revoy offers the electric dolly to fleet operators through a subscription service. The company received regulatory approval from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2023 and completed a yearlong pilot with Ryder System Inc. in 2024.

The first commercial operation launches in Oregon in 2026, with an initial fleet of four dollies built from Chinese components. This rollout will cover a 200-mile (~322 km) stretch near Portland, using second-hand diesel trucks operated by Revoy’s partners, who will also receive driver training for the new system.

Company Background and Future Plans

Revoy was founded in 2020 by CEO Peter Reinhardt and CTO Ian Rust, who previously worked at autonomous driving startup Cruise. Rust described the technology as being inspired by collaborative robotics, saying, “Instead of removing the driver, we’re using robotics to switch the fuel source.”

The company recently raised $27 million in funding, bringing its total to $41 million. Revoy is developing a second-generation dolly with a smaller battery but the same 200-mile (322 km) electric range, aiming to have dozens of these units operating on US shipping routes by late 2027. For now, Revoy’s focus remains on the US market.

Why this matters

Revoy’s swappable electric dolly offers a practical solution for fleet operators looking to reduce emissions and fuel costs without replacing their existing diesel trucks. With over 3 million heavy-duty freight trucks in the US, each averaging 60,000 miles (96,561 km) per year, the potential impact on carbon emissions and operating expenses is significant.

The system’s ability to quickly swap batteries and its compatibility with current diesel fleets could accelerate the transition to cleaner freight transport, addressing both environmental and economic concerns for the trucking industry.

What this means for buyers

Fleet operators interested in reducing fuel costs and emissions can consider Revoy’s subscription-based electric dolly as an alternative to purchasing new electric trucks. The system is especially suited for regional routes and can extend the useful life of existing diesel assets.

As the technology rolls out in Oregon and expands in the coming years, operators should watch for broader availability and potential cost savings, especially as Revoy develops its next-generation dolly.

Key Specs

Battery Capacity: 575 kWh lithium-iron-phosphate
Dolly Length: 13 feet (~3.96 meters)
Dolly Weight: 22,000 lbs (~9,979 kg)
Electric Range (with 80,000 lbs GVW): 200 to 250 miles (~322 to 402 km)
Fuel Economy (hybrid): 20 to 35 mpg (6.7 to 11.8 lt/100 km)
Short-haul Fuel Economy: Up to 40 mpg (5.9 lt/100 km)
Swap Time: Under 5 minutes at highway hubs
Initial Commercial Fleet: 4 dollies in Oregon (2026)

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