At an online event attended by potential customers, Scania showcased the next generation of battery electric trucks (BEV). The addition of R and S cabs with two performance levels and several wheelbases - both for semitrailer tractors and chassis - has greatly expanded the BEV truck portfolio. The two power levels are available with an installed battery capacity of up to 624 kWh, allowing a 40-ton truck to go up to 350 kilometers. This opened the door to a surplus of truck uses in regional freight transit.
"The June launch was a significant milestone for our partners and us," says Fredrik Allard, Scania's Senior Vice President and Head of Electrification. "We are now able to provide solutions for a wide range of customers and applications. This suggests that the transformation of the transportation ecosystem is accelerating. We now provide the electrical skills and solutions that our customers and the transportation industry require."
Scania's new BEV truck generation is built on classic Scania qualities like modularity, sustainability, and overall efficiency that exceed what is expected of trucks with combustion engines. Scania has done its homework in terms of digitization in order to offer the new electric trucks as turnkey solutions, with services such as charging, finance, insurance, servicing, and maintenance already in place.
"We are certain that these enhancements will support a smooth transition into the digital age for all diverse client requirements, as they take essential factors such as close collaboration and a zero-emissions aim into account," Allard says. "Customers who want to make a difference can now select what they require from Scania's comprehensive array of solutions."
Scania's next-generation electrified trucks are offered in tractor and chassis configurations. Weight, set up, and terrain all influence expected ranges. A 40-tonne 4x2 truck with six batteries can go up to 350 kilometers between charges at an average speed of 80 kilometers per hour on highways. Under the same conditions, total combination weights of up to 64 tons, which are prevalent in Scandinavia, may reach approximately 250 kilometers.
Trucks with scheduled itineraries benefit from targeted charging at the home depot and/or at existing charging stations along the route. One charge each day guarantees that a vehicle can move more freely in metropolitan areas during the day, for example, during the driver's prescribed 45-minute rest hour (if the range of up to 350 km is not sufficient).
"With our electrified offer, we are now in a position to deliver appealing options for a wide range of customer requirements," Allard explains. "As an entry point into electrification, we offer hybrid vehicles for certain needs." We can now offer appealing options ranging from 16-ton distribution trucks to regional freight transport and 64-ton log transport using the two new BEVs. This is especially appealing to clients seeking zero emissions and minimal operating expenses."
Scania's new BEV trucks are available in 4x2 tractor units or 6x2*4 chassis. A 4x2 tractor unit with six batteries requires a 4,150 mm wheelbase and hence benefits from the European law requiring longer overall train dimensions.
The charging power can reach 375 kW. An hour of charging often results in an extra range of 270 to 300 kilometers. A Scania 40 R or S has a rated power of 400 kW (560 hp), whereas a Scania 45 R or S has a rated power of 450 kW. (approx. 610 hp). Scania's new electrified trucks are now ready for order; production will begin in the fourth quarter of 2023.
"We're seeing increased interest and demand from companies trying to address global carbon concerns," Allard added. "Scania is the right partner because we have a long history of sustainability and total solutions." The gradual growth of charging infrastructure indicates that demand will rise further in the future years. The transition to zero-emission transportation is now well underway."
Scania will display a prototype of the CHARIN Alliance's Megawatt Charging System (MCS) at its booth. The MCS standard is designed to allow charging with a high power of one megawatt (MW) or greater. This enabled long-distance automobiles to be charged during the driver's mandatory 45-minute rest period. A standard for such a charging method is in the works. One of the objectives is to provide a high-performance connector with a high level of security. The interface will be automated and enable bidirectional V2X communication by using a standardized spot on the vehicle (vehicle-to-grid or vehicle-to-network, etc.).
For European customers wishing to invest in BEV vehicles on a wider scale, the availability of CCS (the current standard) and MCS charging systems is critical. Scania works with a number of foreign partners to provide locally adapted individual solutions. Scania's parent company, TRATON, has formed a partnership with the Volvo Group and Daimler Truck to develop a public charging infrastructure network for heavy-duty vehicles throughout Europe.
