Scania’s composite truck of the future

Scania has pointed to lightweight materials such as
composites playing an increasingly large role in the heavy vehicles of
tomorrow, particularly in city buses and distribution trucks.

Working in association with researcher Magnus Burman from
Stockholm’s KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Scania is investigating the
potential for using lighter materials in both chassis structures and other
load-bearing parts of vehicles.

"Our studies show that weight savings of up to 40 per cent
can be achieved if key load-bearing parts are replaced with lighter materials," says Burman.

Reduced vehicle weight, or so called structural weight,
means more cargo per transport shipment and, as a result, the potential for
fewer runs. This represents a major opportunity both for the environment and
for future electrified solutions of various kinds.

"Distribution trucks often carry bulky goods, so the weight
savings are not that great," says Burman.

"But an electrified truck’s range is highly dependent on the vehicle’s weight.
Halving the weight here means doubling the range per load."

Composite materials currently have a high purchase price,
but when viewed from a lifecycle perspective they make good economic sense.

"On top of the low weight, composite materials provide
strength and rigidity, while fatigue and ageing aren’t generally seen as
problems," says Burman. "Composites also don’t rust, and they don’t degrade in
the same way as metal structures."

Another advantage with composite use in chassis structures
is that it’s possible to create larger integrated structures than with steel.
This means fewer joints, which in turn further reduces weight.

"Tomorrow’s vehicles will be made from a bigger mix of
materials, with a focus on both function and weight," says Burman.

"We simply want to have ‘the right material in the right
place’. So, I see a greater degree of integration of different functions in
tomorrow’s truck and bus structures. This creates completely new opportunities
and possibilities in the design process, construction and production.

"I dare say that tomorrow’s transport vehicles will also be
different from today’s when it comes to appearance. Exactly how remains to be
seen," he says.

Light, self-supporting structures could replace the
traditional frame.

Scania has produced a vision for an integrated lightweight
chassis made from carbon fibre composite-material and adapted for use in a
long-range, completely electric vehicle.

The light, self-supporting structure borrows materials and
design concepts from the aviation industry. The battery is located in the space
in the middle.