Swedish truck brand Scania has unveiled a new battery pack configuration that significantly increases the driving range of its electric trucks to up to 720km. This development is particularly aimed at addressing the challenges of long-haul operations, which have been a major hurdle in the electrification of the transport industry. By strategically placing more battery packs behind the truck cabs, Scania has managed to enhance the installed capacity of the conventional chassis-mounted batteries without compromising on payloads or the balancing of weight and charging.
The innovative solution involves mounting two MP20 battery packs behind the cab, which adds approximately 356kWh of installed capacity. This expanded energy capacity, combined with MCS charging, supports electric long-haul tractor configurations that use standard European trailer combinations. According to Scania, this configuration enables a 6x2 European trailer combination to achieve maximum range, even when the total vehicle length exceeds 16.5m. This ensures practical trailer compatibility and maintained turning performance, making it a viable option for long-haul operations.
One of the significant benefits of the battery-behind-cab layout is its potential to reduce energy consumption by up to 3%, depending on the specification and operation. This reduction is attributed to the fact that wind resistance accounts for a larger share of total energy use in electric trucks. By optimizing the vehicle's aerodynamics and energy efficiency, Scania's new configuration offers a more sustainable solution for long-haul transport.
Lars Gustafsson, senior vice-president at Scania, emphasized that electric trucks are already an integral part of the transport system. However, long-haul operations present unique challenges related to range, payload, and charging. Gustafsson highlighted that Scania's solution demonstrates how these pieces can come together in a practical way for customers looking to electrify demanding long-distance routes.
The new battery layout is not just about placing batteries in a new position on the vehicle; it is about enabling electric transport over distances that have traditionally been difficult to electrify. By considering range, payload, and charging from the start, Scania's solution offers a comprehensive approach to sustainable long-haul transport. This development underscores Scania's commitment to providing practical and efficient electric vehicle solutions for the transport industry.
Despite the promising advancements, Scania South Africa has indicated that it has no current plans to launch this new technology in the local market. This decision may be influenced by various factors, including market demand, regulatory environment, and infrastructure readiness. However, the global availability of this technology is expected to support Scania's customers in other regions who are looking to transition to more sustainable transport solutions.
As the transport industry continues to evolve towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, innovations like Scania's new battery layout are crucial. By extending the range of electric trucks and making them more practical for long-haul operations, Scania is contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and helping to create a more sustainable future for the transport sector.
Key points
- Scania's new battery pack configuration increases the driving range of its electric trucks to up to 720km.
- The solution involves mounting battery packs behind the truck cab to enhance installed capacity without compromising payloads or charging.
- The new configuration can reduce energy consumption by up to 3% and supports electric long-haul tractor configurations with standard European trailer combinations.
