Why is this ETS2 trailer lower at the rear? Schmitz Cargobull’s EcoGeneration saves fuel in real life!

When considering the fuel consumption of a tractor-trailer combination, we usually think first about the engine, weight or speed. However, the trailer also has to be pushed through the air throughout the journey. A conventional rectangular trailer creates a large turbulent wake behind it. This turbulence effectively pulls on the vehicle and increases the resistance the truck must continuously overcome.

Schmitz Cargobull’s EcoGeneration is designed to reduce precisely this problem. Its most noticeable characteristic is the roof that slopes down towards the rear. This decreases the rear surface area, allows the airflow to come back together more quickly behind the trailer and reduces strong turbulence. Lower air resistance means that the tractor needs less energy to maintain the same journey, reducing diesel consumption and therefore CO₂ emissions.

Schmitz Cargobull reports fuel savings of up to, and in some practical cases more than, ten percent with the EcoGeneration. However, this is not a guaranteed advantage on every journey. The result depends on factors including how often the trailer is actually operated in its lowered aerodynamic position, the route, speed and cargo weight. The official product information describes a customer operation in which the trailer spent around 70 percent of its time in aerodynamic mode and achieved fuel savings of more than ten percent.

The S.CS EcoFLEX is a curtainsider semi-trailer. Instead of solid side walls, it uses side curtains that can be opened during loading and unloading. This makes it particularly suitable for goods loaded from the side with a forklift or through the rear at a loading dock. Schmitz Cargobull identifies general cargo and beverage transport as its main applications.

The name EcoFLEX already describes its most important advantage: its aerodynamic rear is flexible. When the complete loading height is not needed, the rear stays lowered and the trailer operates in its most aerodynamic form. When larger or taller cargo is planned, the rear can be raised again. In its highest position, the body reaches an overall height of four metres at both the front and rear.

The EcoFLEX therefore attempts to solve a traditional conflict. A permanently low trailer may be aerodynamic but could provide insufficient room for tall goods. A completely high body provides maximum volume but creates a larger rear surface. The EcoFLEX adapts its shape to the individual contract: less resistance when the height is unnecessary and more interior space whenever the cargo requires it.

No additional specialist equipment is required for the adjustment. Drivers release the curtain and roof fittings, open the doors, raise the rear crossbar and adjust the lifting roof using a hydropneumatic pump. The required interior height and curtain are then adjusted. According to Schmitz Cargobull, the process can be completed within a few minutes and incorporated into everyday transport operations.

The aerodynamic body is also intended to avoid major restrictions during loading and unloading. Side and rear loading remain possible, while cargo securing uses the familiar systems from conventional S.CS trailers. When loading through the rear, the EcoFLEX’s rear crossbar only needs to be raised to prevent damage to the vehicle and cargo. Depending on the transport task, the body can use a conventional curtain or the lath-free POWER CURTAIN.

An important distinction must be made regarding Euro Truck Simulator 2. According to Steam and SCS Software, the official Schmitz Cargobull Trailer Pack includes the S.CS EcoFIX. The EcoFLEX is not listed among the DLC’s official models. Both trailers belong to the EcoGeneration and use the same basic idea of an aerodynamically lowered rear, but they are not identical.

The EcoFIX’s aerodynamic rear remains permanently lowered. It does not have the flexible height adjustment of the EcoFLEX. Schmitz Cargobull recommends it particularly for low-positioned cargo such as steel and paper rolls, where the full interior height is normally unnecessary. The EcoFLEX is intended for a wider range of changing general-cargo and beverage assignments because its rear can be returned to full height when required.

The S.CS EcoFIX therefore allows us to use the clearly recognisable design of the real EcoGeneration in ETS2. The Schmitz Cargobull Trailer Pack was released on July 22, 2024, and includes additional curtainsider, refrigerated, box and tipper models as well as several cab accessories. The trailers can be customised with different chassis, bodies, doors, side protection, storage boxes and other components.

The official Steam page does not list reduced fuel consumption from the aerodynamic rear as a dedicated gameplay mechanic. In ETS2, its main benefit is therefore the authentic appearance, official licensing and the ability to use a modern trailer found in real European freight transport. The genuine consumption advantage currently belongs to the real technology behind the vehicle.

That connection is nevertheless what makes the trailer interesting. The lowered rear is not simply an unusual shape created to look different. Every kilometre travelled with lower air resistance can reduce a transport company’s operating costs and emissions. The EcoFLEX adds the flexibility required in everyday work: when less height is needed, its aerodynamic shape saves fuel. When additional space is required, the trailer returns to its full size.

Should the aerodynamic design of the EcoFIX produce a measurable reduction in fuel consumption inside ETS2?