Global battery technology leader Clarios has unveiled a significant expansion of its digital fleet solutions with the launch of its new Trailer Battery Manager. Announced on January 7, 2026, this feature adds a critical layer of intelligence for fleet operators by providing real-time insights into the health and charge status of trailer batteries, a common blind spot in logistics operations.
Solving a Critical Blind Spot in Fleet Operations
The new system directly addresses a persistent challenge in the transportation industry: unexpected trailer battery failures. Traditionally, issues with these batteries are often discovered too late—when a liftgate fails to operate or a delivery is delayed at the dock. The Clarios solution monitors battery charge levels in real time, sending proactive alerts when a battery is undercharged or nearing the end of its service life.
This predictive capability allows maintenance managers to schedule service proactively, avoiding costly roadside assistance calls and fines for blocked loading docks, which can exceed $700 per incident. The goal is to ensure trailers are always operational and support on-time deliveries.
A Vital Tool for Cold-Chain and Temperature-Controlled Transport
The launch holds particular significance for the cold-chain logistics sector across Canada, where maintaining a stable power supply for refrigeration units is non-negotiable. For trailers carrying sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals, vaccines, or perishable foods, a battery failure can compromise an entire shipment.
"This new feature is a direct response to customer feedback," said Cagatay Topcu, Vice President of Connected Services at Clarios. "It empowers fleet managers to monitor trailer batteries remotely and take action before issues arise. That saves time, money, and frustration."
By ensuring continuous operation of cooling systems, the Trailer Battery Manager helps protect product integrity and minimizes the risk of delivery failures for companies in this critical industry.
Expanding a Proven Connected Ecosystem
The Trailer Battery Manager integrates into Clarios's existing Connected Services Platform, which uses AI, machine learning, and cloud computing to transform battery data into actionable insights. The platform now offers a comprehensive suite for fleet optimization:
- IdleLess™: Focuses on reducing unnecessary engine idling, saving fuel costs, and lowering carbon emissions.
- Battery Manager™: Predicts battery end-of-life in tractors, eliminates manual testing, and improves maintenance planning.
- Trailer Battery Manager: Extends visibility and predictive insights to trailer batteries, completing the fleet picture.
Together, these solutions aim to maximize vehicle uptime, optimize resource use, and reduce the total cost of ownership for fleet operators. The expansion into trailer monitoring signifies Clarios's commitment to providing data-driven decision-making tools across a fleet's entire vehicle ecosystem.
Clarios, with approximately 18,000 employees in over 100 countries, is a world leader in advanced low-voltage battery technologies, with its products found in one of every three vehicles on the road today.
