Scania goes hybrid

Scania has begun a comprehensive launch of a full range of products with alternative fuels and powertrains for Euro 6.

The company says that the drive is a decisive step in the company’s long-term commitment to offering the widest range of sustainable transport solutions. The highlight of the programme is a Scania-developed hybrid truck for urban distribution combining electric and biodiesel operation; other engines run on gas and biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

Scania says this further enhances Scania’s position as the manufacturer with the widest range of alternative fuels.

"No matter what driving conditions are like or what local circumstances are, there is probably always an alternative solution available from Scania, right here and now," claims Magnus Höglund, responsible for alternative fuels and powertrains at Scania Trucks. "This launch lets us demonstrate to all types of transport players that they can reduce their CO2 footprint very simply, without giving up anything or incurring significantly higher costs."

The newest and most spectacular item in Scania’s range is the hybrid truck now premiering and being test-driven by European trucking and environmental journalists. The hybrid solution, developed by Scania itself, allows an 18-tonne distribution truck to operate solely on electric power for up to two kilometres.

Electric operation is primarily intended for situations where other solutions don’t measure up, for example, city distribution at night in noise-sensitive areas or driving in warehouses and car parks where one doesn’t want any exhaust fumes at all. Electric power is combined with Scania’s 9-litre Euro 6 engine with 320hp, which can be operated on 100 per cent biodiesel, such as FAME or HVO. With this latter fuel, CO2 can be reduced by as much as 92 per cent.

"It’s a very special experience to drive a heavy truck when the only sound comes from the hissing of tires against asphalt and a mild breeze," explains Höglund. "What we’re seeing here is the beginning of a revolution that will make a big difference. Soundless and partly exhaust-free trucks can do a better job in cities at night with goods distribution, cleaning, waste collection and other city maintenance tasks. Hybridisation can also lead to a higher utilisation of every single vehicle when the range of uses expands.”

Scania was the first manufacturer to sell and deliver Euro 6 engines, the highest emission classification in Europe, which makes a huge difference when it comes to reducing emissions. Scania was also the first to market a complete engine range based on three different biodiesel platforms, which can provide up to 65 percent CO2reduction when using FAME fuel.

Moreover, in 2015 Scania gave the green light for using HVO in existing Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines. This renewable biodiesel fuel can yield up to 90 percent reduction in CO2emissions.

"This product launch provides our customers – as well as their customers, who are often the driving force when it comes to environmental aspects – with unsurpassable choices of alternative fuels for their business," adds Höglund. "The biodiesel engines range from 250 to 580hp and are suitable for everything from light service to really heavy operations. And our introduction of a 280hp ED95 engine for Euro 6 is unique in our industry. From an environmental perspective, bioethanol is an unusually smart, inexpensive and easy-to-handle alternative fuel that is also readily available in large quantities."