At IAA Transportation 2026, the focus was on more efficient transportation. Royal Burgers, in collaboration with IM Efficiency, demonstrated how Double Deck trailers equipped with SolarOnTop combine increased load capacity with on-board energy generation. The technology is now being integrated directly into the production of new trailers.
Transporting more goods per trip is an important step toward more efficient transportation. But the onboard power supply also plays a role. Tailgates, electric pallet trucks, lighting, and telematics all require a reliable power supply every day. With IM Efficiency’s SolarOnTop, trailers generate that energy themselves using solar panels on the roof, both while on the road and when parked.
From field testing to large-scale rollout
Royal Burgers has integrated SolarOnTop into the production of Double Deck trailers. As a result, new trailers can be delivered with an energy system that is already installed and ready for use.
Action is among the retailers that are now using the technology on a large scale. The rollout followed a field test involving eight trailers. According to IM Efficiency, the batteries remained sufficiently charged during loading and unloading cycles, and power shortages no longer caused malfunctions. Action also reported reduced maintenance, a longer service life for batteries and loading doors, and quieter loading and unloading without the engine idling.
Reliable power during loading and unloading
SolarOnTop consists of flexible, ultra-thin solar panels, an intelligent energy management system, and an online monitoring platform. The system distributes the generated energy to the onboard equipment and provides insight into performance and usage.
This helps carriers keep electrical equipment available during successive loading and unloading operations. As a result, the truck’s engine does not need to idle as often to supply power.
IM Efficiency has now collected more than 50 million kilometers of real-world data from 35 fleets. Based on this data, the company reports a fuel and CO₂ reduction of approximately 5% per truck-trailer combination. The actual result depends on the operating conditions and onboard energy consumption.
Greater Capacity Through On-Site Power Generation
For Royal Burgers, solar energy aligns with Double Deck’s goal: to transport more goods with fewer transport trips. By making better use of available cargo space while simultaneously generating energy on the trailer roof, carriers can make their operations even more sustainable.
“With the support of IM Efficiency, Royal Burgers’ Double Deck trailers are taking sustainability in transportation to the next level with SolarOnTop,” said Jeroen Naalden, CEO of Royal Burgers.
Further developments presented at the IAA
At IAA Transportation 2026, IM Efficiency unveiled the next generation of SolarOnTop. The platform is being expanded to include applications for cooling and hydraulic equipment.
An open data interface was also presented that makes data on energy, reliability, and usage available within the carrier’s existing telematics environment. This allows fleet managers to monitor performance using the systems they already work with.
The developments at the IAA demonstrate how Double Deck and on-site power generation reinforce each other: greater capacity per trip, supported by a power supply that is tailored to daily operations.
Would you like to know how a Double Deck trailer with SolarOnTop fits into your transportation operations? Contact Royal Burgers and discover the possibilities for your fleet.
