Scania launches new electric and hybrid trucks

Scania is ramping up its push towards a sustainable, zero-emissions future, with brand unveiling not only its very first fully electric truck but a hybrid model too.

Both production models, the pair are now available in Europe in a choice of two cabs: a P-series or a low-floor L-series.

The fully electric model has a 230kW motor (approximately 310hp) that is powered by either five batteries (165kWh) or nine batteries (300kWh). In the nine-battery format, Scania says the truck has a range of up to 250km, depending on the terrain, payload, and usage.

The truck is charged via a CCS charging connector, with 130kW DC charging affording a full charge in under 55 minutes for the smaller battery pack or under 100 minutes for the larger one. The level of charge can also be topped up by the truck's regenerative braking.

The truck is equipped with two gears, while the electrical hardware – motor, batteries, battery management and cooling gear, electrohydraulic steering system, electric air compressor and inverter – are housed along the chassis rails and in the space freed up by the removal of the traditional combustion engine.

The truck is also equipped with a 60kW PTO (power take-off), for items such as refrigeration units and hook lifts.

According to Scania's Anders Lampinen (Director, New Technologies), the model delivers a clean transport solution for urban operations.

"Sustainable emission-free transport is an increasing requirement for transport companies," he says.

"Acquiring an electric truck is not just an investment in the customer's fleet, but also in its brand and market. The electric truck enables the customer to stay ahead of the competition, learn about infrastructural challenges and start adapting for the future."

Complementing the release of the electric model is a new Scania hybrid truck, with its 9-litre 280-360hp turbo-diesel augmented by a 115kW electric motor.

Arriving some six years after Scania's first hybrid model, this latest hybrid is said to offer an electric range of up to 60km.

The model features three batteries for a total capacity of 90kWh. The batteries can be charged to around 80 per cent of full charge in approximately 35 minutes via the CCS charging connector and 130kW DC charging. Like the fully electric model, charge can also be topped up via the truck's regenerative braking.

Scania says the hybrid is well suited to urban roles spanning goods delivery, refuse collection, and fire and rescue, along with tipper and hook lift bodies.

"More and more cities have established low-emission zones in centres, requiring alternatives such as electric propulsion," says Lampinen.

"In acquiring the hybrid truck, transport companies can also significantly expand vehicle utilisation and reduce unprofitable time while the vehicle is idle. The silent electric mode opens for efficient deliveries also at night, thereby avoiding city centre peak-hour traffic congestion.

"Meanwhile, operators can, if needed, make use of the combustion engine for longer distance travel from warehouses and logistics centres in peripheral locations as well as for ad-hoc transport assignments. In short, they'll be getting the best of both."

Both new Scania models are presently only available in Europe; Scania Australia is yet to indicate if either may find its way to Australia.