Revoy’s Electric Dolly Transforms Trucking with Hybrid Efficiency

Long-haul trucking powers America’s economy, hauling goods from coast to coast, but diesel trucks account for 6.7% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, according to the EPA. Revoy, a California-based startup, has a game-changing electric dolly that fits between a truck’s tractor and trailer, turning diesel rigs into high-efficiency hybrids without any modifications.

Revoy’s system is super simple. The dolly, powered by a 575-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, connects via a standard fifth-wheel hitch and drives an electric axle to propel the rig. It gets 6-8 miles per gallon to 20-35 mpg, cutting emissions by 70-90%. A 250-mile diesel trip costing $140 at $4 per gallon drops to half the fuel with Revoy, saving fleets thousands per year per truck, even with the per-mile leasing fee. Revoy owns and maintains the units, so no upfront costs for operators. A forthcoming 800-kWh dolly in 2025 will match the 250-mile range of electric trucks like the Volvo VNR Electric.

Swapping a dead dolly for a charged one takes just four minutes at Revoy’s stations—faster than diesel refueling and way quicker than 30 minutes for ultra-fast EV chargers. At stations in Texas and Arkansas, with California, Oregon and Washington sites planned for 2025, drivers just pause for a minute or two as attendants swap out the dolly. For routes outside the network, drivers can detach the dolly and go back to diesel, giving them ultimate flexibility.

The dolly has sensors and a mobile app, so it’s safe with blind-spot detection, auto-reversing and steering corrections to prevent rollovers or jackknifing in harsh conditions like crosswinds or ice. Regenerative braking cuts stopping distances by up to 30%, helping with highway merges or steep descents.

At 22,000 pounds, the dolly is under the U.S. 80,000-pound limit, but Revoy notes 64% of trucks are volume-limited, not weight-constrained, so they can accommodate the extra weight. For heavier loads, drivers can opt for diesel-only operation and still have flexibility. The dolly adds 13 feet but meets federal length limits and with sensors as well as auto-reversing tech, it’s “pretty easy to maneuver,” says Revoy.

Since December 2023, Ryder has been testing three dollies on a 250-mile Memphis-to-Laredo route, swapping at stations in Prescott, Arkansas and Dallas. Ryder’s Mike Plasencia says the system cuts emissions without new trucks or infrastructure, in line with the EPA’s 2032 regulations. Revoy’s per-mile subscription model ties costs to savings so it’s scalable. A sixth-generation dolly is planned for 2025 with a stronger powertrain and Revoy will be launching trials in Washington and South Texas.
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