Scania adds hydrogen testing to its sustainable transport knowledge

Although battery-electric transport remains at the core of Scania’s sustainable transport strategy, the company’s resolve to better understand other technologies is now playing out in a hydrogen research project.

Under its Pilot Partner program, Scania has joined forces with Asko Norge AS, a longstanding partner and leader in sustainable logistics, to test hydrogen fuel cell trucks in business operations to evaluate technical performance, operational feasibility and commercial potential.

The program has assigned selected customers to assess both hydrogen and electrification technology under normal working conditions to see what they can contribute to fossil-free transport.

“By testing in real transport environments, we learn what works best in practice and how to accelerate progress,” said Tony Sandberg, Head of Scania Pilot Partner.

“The hydrogen vehicle test does not change Scania’s strategy for the decarbonisation of the transport system, which remains centred on direct electrification.

“However, it is one of several tests being conducted through the Pilot Partner program to understand how different energy carriers and powertrains perform. The aim is to see which real-life strengths and weaknesses other technologies and fuels exhibit.

“Asko’s strong commitment and proactive approach are key to accelerating the transition. Together, we turn insights from pilots into practical knowledge that benefits the whole industry.”

By combining Scania’s established electric powertrain technology with hydrogen systems, Scania and Asko have initially found that the trucks can reach ranges of up to 1000km per refuelling, emitting only water vapour.

“Being part of Scania’s Pilot Partner gives us a unique opportunity to test and influence the development of sustainable solutions that fit our operations,” says Jørn Arvid Endresen, CEO of ASKO Midt.

Pilot Partner, established in 2021, evaluates and tests a wide range of technologies and methods, from battery-electric solutions to combustion engines powered by range extender and emerging alternatives such as hydrogen fuel cells.

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