Swedish commercial trucking giant Scania has officially launched its first fully electric truck which boasts a range of up to 250 kilometres driving range, and fast charging to make longer drives possible.
The announcement came at the same time as the company announced a plug-in hybrid electric truck which boasts an electric range of 60 kilometres.
Announced on Tuesday,, neither truck has an official ‘name’, as such – referred to only as “Scania’s battery electric truck” or “Scania’s new plug-in hybrid truck” – and no pricing or delivery date were included.
The fully electric truck, Scania’s first, will be available in two battery configurations, one with a total of five batteries for a total of 165kWh installed capacity and a range of 130-kilometres, or nine batteries for a total of 300kWh with a range of up to 250-kilometres – though the company notes that the estimated range “is, of course, dependent on the weight, body type and topography.”
Batteries are mounted where the combustion engine would once have been, and additional batteries are mounted on the chassis frame – along with other components needed for fully electric propulsion, such as battery management units, battery cooling components, electrohydraulic steering system, electric air compressor, and inverter.
The trucks new electric motor delivers a continuous power of 230kWh, or approximately 310-horsepower, and has two gears to provide high power over a wider speed span. Scania also touted as “one of the major benefits” of its new electric motor “is the high controllability” which, in practice, will allow the driver to benefit from faster acceleration and response from the powertrain.
The new electric battery truck will come equipped with a CCS charging connector allowing DC charging at 130kW, and which can reportedly charge the five battery packs in under 55 minutes, and the nine battery packs in under 100 minutes. The truck also includes regenerative braking to recoup some of the lost power when braking.
“Sustainable emission-free transport is an increasing requirement for transport companies,” said Anders Lampinen, Director, New Technologies. “Acquiring an electric truck is not just an investment in the customer’s fleet, but also in its brand and market. The electric truck enables the customer to stay ahead of the competition, learn about infrastructural challenges and start adapting for the future.”
Scania’s new hybrid truck is described as combining “the best of two worlds” in combining three battery packs with an installed capacity of 90kWh along with a 9-litre 280–360 hp diesel engine.
Including many of the same features as the fully electric model such as the option to fit the truck with either the L- or P-series cab – the L-series being described as “purpose-designed for congested city conditions with unrivalled visibility” thanks to its low floor – and CCS charging connector which will reportedly allow the batteries to be charged to 80% in approximately 35 minutes.
“Incorporating the hybrid truck into hauliers’ fleets is doubtless the simplest way of gaining experience of operating electric vehicles,” said Lampinen. “Acting as a bridge between the different technologies, this can help gain valuable experience in gradually expanding fleets to encompass a greater share of electric vehicles.”
“More and more cities have established low-emission zones in centres, requiring alternatives such as electric propulsion. In acquiring the hybrid truck, transport companies can also significantly expand vehicle utilisation and reduce unprofitable time while the vehicle is idle. The silent electric mode opens for efficient deliveries also at night, thereby avoiding city centre peak-hour traffic congestion.”
“Meanwhile, operators can, if needed, make use of the combustion engine for longer distance travel from warehouses and logistics centres in peripheral locations as well as for ad-hoc transport assignments,” added Lampinen. “In short, they’ll be getting the best of both.”
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.