New Energy: Scania’s rejuvenated battery electric range is raring to go

 

Scania has updated its urban battery electric truck range and added a new electric machine (combined electric motor and gearbox) to its line-up.

 

The battery electric urban truck range, originally launched in 2021, has been given a major update in line with Scania’s regional battery electric line-up.

 

They will now be fitted with an e-adapted chassis, new auxiliary systems, and batteries utilising Northvolt’s sustainably produced cells.

 

This gives customers greater flexibility when choosing a Scania designed for urban areas, such as distribution, refuse collection or construction, etc.

 

There’s also the introduction of a new electric machine, which sees the electric motor and gearbox combined into one unit, called the EM C1-4. This single permanent magnet motor is paired to a four-speed gearbox and is expected to become Scania’s most popular powertrain option. It’s available in five different power outputs: 270, 300, 330, 360 and 400kW.

 

Fredrik Allard, Senior Vice President and Head of E-Mobility at Scania, said: “Scania’s offering now covers a wide span of applications and customer requirements. Apart from true long-haul operations, most buyers today will be able find a solution that will fit their operations.

 

“With our improved line-up, we can guide each customer to the right configuration and tailor it to truly fit their needs.” 

 

 

Now all Scania BEV trucks will be fitted using cells from Swedish manufacturer Northvolt, with each battery pack assembled at Scania’s new battery assembly facility in Södertälje.

 

Earlier this year a joint validation test between Northvolt and Scania proved that lithium-ion cells could retain their capacity to power trucks for 1.5 million kilometres – equivalent to a truck's whole lifetime.

 

One of the main strengths of the batteries is their charging characteristics. Unlike other battery packs, Scania’s batteries can be charged repeatedly up to 100% of their state of charge (SOC) window without any impact on their lifespan.

 

This is thanks to a straight charging curve, which means that they charge with the same speed when almost full as when they are to empty. A straight charging curve gives predictable charging times and the long battery life ensures total cost of ownership remains low.

 

Scania has accomplished this by managing the temperatures of the batteries. Together with Northvolt, Scania has adapted the battery tech­nology for heavy vehicles with a high battery capacity versus the current at which a battery is charged and dis­charged.

 

As part of the Northvolt’s commitment to establishing a supply of sustainable cells, its manufacturing facilities are powered by 100% fossil-free electricity generated by hydro power and wind power.

 

Thanks to fossil-free energy and integration of additional sustainable production methods, the estimated carbon footprint of each cell at full production is approximately one-third of a traditionally manufactured cell*.

 

Fredrik Allard, said: “We believe that charging will be less problematic when people learn more about how batteries work. When we analyse operational patterns, it’s evident that the vast majority have the range they need.

 

“The fact that some customers remain cautious and limit themselves to ordering a couple of trucks for their fleets is fully understandable since they want to gain experience first. But with our growing portfolio and an expanding infrastructure, Scania’s 2030 target of 50% of all trucks sold in Europe will be battery electric is within reach.”

 

The transition towards sustainable, zero emissions transport is an ongoing process where thought leaders such as Scania are playing an important role.

 

A step-change is imminent, beginning with Europe and the USA. It is driven by a mix of sustain­ability demands from customers, increased legis­lation and the fact that electric trucks are expected to deliver cost-parity – or better – com­pared to diesel trucks.

 

 

Scania Charging Access is now officially open for business, as Scania offers BEV customers seamless access to a European-wide charging network in 12 countries.

 

Regardless of who is operating the charge points in the network, customers will only receive one consolidated invoice from Scania for their charging. The service is designed to give peace of mind and a predictable price – without the need for monthly fees.

 

Magnus Höglund, Head of Charging Solutions at Scania, said: “We are pioneering a consolidated service for heavy vehicles in Europe.

 

“It is primarily designed for en-route charging. Our mission is to enable and simplify electrification by taking out every­thing from range anxiety to administrative grievances from the equation and offering truck-ready charge points.

 

“We assess and rank all existing charge points manually, both the ones for heavy vehicles and those for passenger cars. This helps us identify the ones that are bene­ficial for our customers until there is a significant number and an extensive network dedi­cated solely to heavy vehicles.”