Swedish truck manufacturer Scania has launched its first series production range of fully electric and plug-in hybrid P- and L-series rigid trucks.

The trucks are aimed at operators working in urban areas and low-emission city centre zones.

Scania’s fully electric truck comes with either a 165 or 300kWh battery pack to power its 230kW electric motor, equal to about 310hp. In 300kWh format, a range of up to 250km can be achieved on a single charge.  

Five batteries are used for 165kWh, with nine batteries employed for 300kWh. 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 charged by 130kW DC using a Combined Charging System connector. The charging time is less than 55 minutes for the five-battery option and less than 100 minutes for the nine-battery option. In addition, the batteries are continuously charged in motion through regenerative braking energy.

Plug-in hybrid

Scania’s plug-in hybrid truck can travel long distances in combustion engine mode and up to 60km in electric mode as required. Combined with renewable fuel, Scania’s plug-in hybrid enables operators to significantly reduce their environmental impact.

As the plug-in hybrid truck has a combustion engine, the space for batteries is less than the fully electric truck. It has three batteries for an installed capacity of 90kWh for its 115kW electric motor. The charging time from zero to 80% is about 35 minutes. In addition to charging via regenerative braking energy, battery power can also be topped up during loading and unloading. The electric powertrain is combined with combustion engine options ranging from 280–360hp.

Both these technologies build upon Scania’s modular system.

“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,” said Anders Lampinen, director, new technologies for Scania CV AB.

In addition to general cargo and temperature-controlled transport, e-trucks can be equipped with a range of bodywork, including hooklifts, tippers, concrete mixers and refuse collectors, as well as secondary support vehicles for the emergency services.

To support early adopters in the UK Scania will initially be creating a series of regional servicing hubs strategically located throughout the UK. As uptake increases, additional servicing points will be added according to demand.

“We are convinced that progressive customers will be eager to lead the way into electrification by taking the initial steps to future-proof their fleets,” said Vincente Connolly, UK sales director, Scania (Great Britain) Ltd. “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 footprint.”

Connolly added that the plug-in and fully electric trucks 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% 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.”

Long-term commitment

Scania’s President and CEO, Henrik Henriksson, added: “It is with a great deal of pride that we announce the start of Scania’s long-term electrification commitment.”

He added that Scania will now annually launch electric versions across the company’s entire range. “We are presently reorganising our production towards that end,” he said. “Of particular significance is that in a few years’ time we will also introduce long-distance electric trucks adapted for fast-charging during drivers’ compulsory 45-minute rest periods.”

Connolly added that the launch marks a significant step in Scania’s development. “Over the coming years, we will continue to develop our range of electrified vehicles for all applications, including long-haulage and construction. Electrification of the heavy commercial truck fleet is decisive in reaching the Paris Agreement target of limiting global warning to well below 2°C.  E-vehicles will therefore increasingly become an attractive option and we will, in the initial stages, develop and deploy hybrid and fully electric trucks in partnership with progressive operators who share our ambition and commitment to sustainability.”