In June, Scania introduced the next level of battery-electric trucks (BEV) in an online event that created a lot of interest among prospective customers. By offering both R and S cabs with two power outputs and a broad range of axle distances – covering both tractors and rigids – the BEV truck landscape suddenly became much greater.
The two different power levels are available with up to 624 kWh of batteries installed, meaning that a 40-tonne truck can expect ranges of up to 350 km. Taken together, these numbers open the way for a variety of regional truck applications.
“The June introduction was a major milestone for us and for our partners,” says Fredrik Allard, Senior Vice President and Head of Electrification at Scania. “We can now offer solutions for a range of customers and applications, which means that the transformation of the transport ecosystem is gaining speed. We have the kind of electric capabilities and solutions ready that our customers and the transport industry are longing for.”
Scania’s new BEV truck generation is based on classic Scania traits such as modularity, sustainability and a total operating economy with the potential to exceed what can be expected from trucks with combustion engines. Scania has also done all the necessary digitalisation homework beforehand to make the new electric trucks complete solutions, with services such as charging, finance, insurance and maintenance well prepared for.
“We believe that these additions will serve as the launch pad for a transition for all kinds of customers by including important aspects such as a close partnership and a zero emissions target”, says Allard. “Customers that want to take charge and start making a step-change can now get what they need from Scania’s broad portfolio of solutions.
Scania’s next level of electrified trucks are available both as rigids and as tractor-and-trailer combinations. Expected ranges vary with weight, configuration and topography, but a 40- tonne 4×2 tractor-and-trailer combination with six batteries can expect up to 350 km between each charging, based on an average speed of 80 km/h on motorways. A 64-tonne “Nordic” combination can expect ranges of approximately 250 kilometres under the same conditions.
Trucks with fixed routes can additionally benefit from planned charging at their home depot and/or at their regular destination. One opportunity charging per day – such as during the driver’s mandatory 45 minutes rest time – will help support trucks with a more flexible operational pattern, making it possible for a tipper to roam freely during the day in metropolitan areas (if the 350 km range it probably starts the day with is not enough).
“Scania’s electrified range has now reached the point where we have attractive offers for many different customers”, says Allard. “We have hybrids for certain applications as a ‘low threshold’ entry point for the electrification journey. With the addition of the two new BEVs, we can offer attractive solutions, including services for anything between 16-tonne distri- bution trucks up to regional haulage and 64-tonne timber trucks. That is enticing for those customers who are aiming for zero emissions and low running costs.”
The new level of BEV trucks from Scania can be ordered as 4×2 tractors or as 6×2*4 rigids. A 4×2 tractor will need an axle distance of 4,150 mm when carrying six batteries, thus bene- fiting from the Increased Vehicle Dimension regulation in Europe. Gross train weights up to 64 tonnes, as per the typical Nordic combination, can be covered for by 6×2 rigids.
The charging capability is up to 375 kW, which means that one hour of charging will add some 270 to 300 km of range, as a rule of thumb. The continuous power output level for a Scania 40 R or S is 400 kW (equivalent to 560 hp) while a Scania 45 R or S offer 450 kW (circa to 610 hp). The next-level Scania electrified trucks can be ordered now, and production will commence in Q4 2023.
“We see growing interest and demand from customers that want to tackle the global CO2 challenges,” says Allard. “Scania is a natural partner for them since we have a solid heritage when it comes to sustainability and complete solutions. And with the kind of progress we see regarding the development of a charging infrastructure, I expect even more interest in the years to come. A major transition towards fossil-free road transports is in the making.”
Charging infrastructure for electric heavy vehicles
On its stand at IAA, Scania was showing a prototype for a Megawatt Charging System station provided by the CHARIN alliance. The MCS standard is intended to allow for high-power charging with 1MW or more. That would make it possible to charge long-distance trucks within the 45-minute mandatory break for the drivers. The standard for such a charging system has not been fully decided yet. Among the ambitions are a single conductive plug with high safety. The interface should be capable of being automated with the help of a standardised position on the vehicle, and it shall allow for bi-directional V2X communication (vehicle-to-grid, etc).
The availability of CCS (today’s standard) and MCS charging solutions is indeed crucial for European customers who want to start investing in BEV trucks on a bigger scale. Scania has teamed up with several global partners for offering tailor-made individual solutions locally. And Traton, Scania’s parent company, has formed a joint venture with Volvo Group and Daimler Truck for building a public charging infrastructure network for heavy vehicles in Europe.
