Scania has commercially launched its range of electric trucks in Europe, a milestone in its aim to be a leader in the transition to a sustainable transport system. In addition to general cargo and temperature-controlled transports, the e-trucks can be gainfully deployed with bodywork as hooklifts, tippers, concrete mixers and refuse collectors, as well as for fire and rescue services. 

In addition to diesel-powered trucks, Scania has extensive experience in renewable fuel trucks. Over the coming years, Scania will continue to develop its range of electrified vehicles for all applications, including long haul and construction. 

“It is with a great deal of pride that we announce the start of Scania‘s long-term electrification commitment,” says Scania‘s president and CEO Henrik Henriksson. “We will over the coming years annually launch electrified products for our entire range and we are presently reorganising our production towards that end. Of particular significance is that we will, in a few years‘ time, also introduce long-distance electric trucks adapted for fast charging during drivers‘ compulsory 45-minute rest periods.”  

The Scania fully electric truck – offered with L- and P-series cabs – comes with an option of five batteries for a total of 165kWh or nine batteries for 300kWh capacity, to drive the 230kW electric motor, equal to approximately 310hp. The 300kWh battery offers a range of up to 250km on a single charge. 

With the combustion engine removed, one battery is placed in the former engine tunnel with the remaining four or eight batteries placed along the chassis side. The batteries can be conveniently charged by 130kW DC using a Combined Charging System (CCS) connector. The charging time is fewer than 55 minutes for the five-battery option and fewer than 100 minutes for the nine-battery option. Meanwhile, the batteries are continuously charged in motion through regenerative braking energy.

Scania‘s plug-in hybrid truck, also available for L- and P-series cabs, provides opportunities to travel long distances in a combustion engine mode and subsequently drive up to 60km in an electric mode when required. Combined with renewable fuel, operators can significantly reduce their climate impact. 

It is equipped with three batteries for an installed capacity of 90kWh for the 115kW electric motor. The charging time from nil to 80% is approximately 35 minutes and in addition to charging via regenerative braking energy, battery power can be topped up during loading and unloading. The electric powertrain is combined with 280 to 360hp (208 to 268kW) combustion engines.

With the silent mode of both trucks and the remarkable acceleration of the fully electric truck‘s 2200Nm torque, they offer a very different and exciting driving experience. “We know that there are plenty of young and experienced drivers who will be attracted not only by tangibly contributing to sustainable transport, but also by the opportunity to be among the first on the road with these trucks of the future.”

Both technologies build upon Scania‘s modular system with components tried and tested throughout Scania‘s truck range. 

“Although electrified vehicles in certain aspects represent a new technology, we‘ve taken all possible steps to ensure that we apply the same unwavering uptime criteria as for our other trucks,” says Anders Lampinen, director, new technologies. “Scania signifies premium quality, and needless to say that characterises our electrified trucks as well.” 

Both the plug-in and fully electric truck will be essential for operating in the growing number of urban areas around the world with low emission city centre zones. They also provide opportunities for increased vehicle utilisation. With silent deliveries, transport services can be extended well into the night and early mornings, avoiding traffic congestion and parking difficulties. Studies show that off-peak deliveries can be more than 30 percent quicker than on equivalent daytime transport routes thanks to simpler parking at delivery points, less queuing, higher speeds and more frequent green lights at intersections. 

“We are convinced that progressive customers will be eager to lead the way into electrification by taking initial steps to future-proof their fleets,” says Lampinen. “In major transport companies with large fleets, implementation gives them an early opportunity to gain experience in this area. Meanwhile, we know that large transport buyers are interested in reducing their carbon footprints.” 

Scania New Zealand says this range is not available in the New Zealand market yet, but the journey of electrification is well under way.