Scania electrifies logistics flow in Sweden

Scania has electrified a logistics flow between its global headquarters and production line in Sweden and a nearby warehousing facility, saying the measure represents “one of Scania’s first electrified inbound transports in Europe”.

Scania utilises Ahola Transport to handle the flow of parts between a consolidation warehouse in Nykvarn, Sweden, and its main plant in Södertälje, roughly 15km to the east, with a fully electric Scania truck making the run between the two from three to six times per day.

Åke Nyblom, CEO of Ahola Transport, said it was keen to collaborate with the truck maker to deliver an electrified logistics flow. “To have our first fully electric truck operate on certain routes is an important step for us, and a way forward on our sustainability roadmap where fossil-free fuels and electrification are vital,” he said, stressing that further investment in sustainable transport would follow.

Scania says there is much to be learned from running an electric truck close to home, where the route and local infrastructure are fully understood.

“We gather so many insights on electric flows,” says Matilda Eriksson, Sustainability Business Developer and Project Manager. “This is breaking new ground for logistics, and we have learned what to consider when going electric. That will give us the preconditions we need to succeed when we scale up, for instance how to optimise the whole process by not just charging at night, but while the truck is loaded.”

The use of the Scania electric truck also gives Scania a highly detailed insight into one of its own products, providing vital data on best practice when it comes to usage, charging, and how these processes can be best adapted to the job at hand.

“When we use electrified trucks powered with green electricity in our network, we will for sure see a reduction of emissions,” Eriksson adds. “This pilot is also a way for us to pave the way for a larger scale-up. And, above all, it is another way to confirm our vision – we do this for real!”