Swedish commercial vehicle manufacturer Scania has unveiled a new line of battery-electric trucks designed for regional operations, boasting 624kWh battery packs with a range of up to 350 kilometres and charging at up to 375kW.
This next generation of battery electric trucks is part of a complete solution Scania is offering to electrify road transport and will start with 4×2 tractors or as 6×2*4 rigids with R or S sleeper cabs.
Range will vary based on weight, configuration, and the topography of the driving route, but Scania says that 4×2 tractor or 6×2*4 rigid with 624kWh of battery capacity will provide up to 350km of range – or, more specifically, up to 320km at 40 tonnes load and 230km range at the 64 tonnes max GTW.
That being said, with CCS2 375kW charging capability, the trucks can be charged to full in under 90 minutes. Meanwhile, making the most of a driver’s mandated 45-minute rest period to charge their truck will maximise the vehicle’s operational range.
Designed for regional operations covering medium-range routes, the triple electric machine powertrain provides the trucks with plenty of electromechanical PTO (power take-off) ensuring the trucks can operate anything from temperature-controlled transports or something as power-hungry as a hook lift.
With 410kW of continuous power, or 560 hp, and a maximum gross tonne weight (GTW) carrying capacity of 64 tonnes, Scania hopes their new battery-electric trucks will provide the means for more rapid decarbonisation of road transport, particularly in regional long-haul operations.
“We are now increasing our range in every dimension by offering new opportunities for a vast selection of customers and the whole transport ecosystem,” said Christian Levin, Scania’s CEO.
“These trucks are part of solutions that contain all the capabilities that a transport industry longing for electrification is asking for.
“The only thing that stands between us and a major transition to a fossil-free transport system based on electrified solutions is a complete charging infrastructure, but we are seeing great progress there too.”
The new generation of electric Scania trucks delivers on the promise of former Scania CEO Henrik Henriksson, who announced in late 2020 that the launch of its urban delivery trucks that year would be followed by the launch of “new electric vehicles for the entire product range every year and are already gearing our production towards this goal.”
Billed as a complete turnkey solution, Scania will provide a range of support and service options, including charging, finance, insurance, and maintenance. Scania has also partnered with global partners so that they can offer complete charging solutions as part of the purchase while serving as the single point of contact.
“The addition of these solutions to Scania’s portfolio is a major step-change for customers who want to take charge,” added Fredrik Allard, senior vice president and head of electrification at Scania.
“We are facilitating a transition for our customers by including important customer values such as a close partnership and zero emissions.”
Production of Scania’s new electric trucks is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2023, but orders can be placed in conversation with Scania representatives.
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.