Scania trials solar trailer

In a research partnership, Scania has developed a solar-cell-clad trailer hitched to a plug-in hybrid truck. Initial tests indicate possible fuel savings of five to ten per cent in Sweden and twice that amount in sun-rich southern Spain.

“Solar cells have previously been employed on boats and caravans but then only to power auxiliaries such as refrigerators and cookers and not the actual powertrain,” says Eric Falkgrim, Technology Leader in Vehicle Design at Scania R&D.

The truck will be operated in daily transport routes by the Swedish haulier Ernst Express, which also collaborated with Scania in trials of the world’s first electric road with overhead catenary lines.

Ernst Express will operate the 18-metre long solar-cell-clad trailer with a total area along the sides and roof of 140 square metres. In total, the solar panels are expected to annually generate 14,000 kWh.

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The research project will also examine whether the trailer can feed electricity into the grid when the batteries are fully charged and the truck is parked, for example, over weekends.

In a pre-study, operations in mid-Sweden, where there's not much sun, were simulated reaching a potential fuel saving of five to ten per cent.

In Sweden, there is enough sunlight from spring to autumn to generate energy and although the sun is weak except during summer, there are more hours of sunlight. During the rest of the year, there is insufficient sun in Sweden.

By contrast, southern Spain has 80 per cent more hours of sunlight.

Just imagine what this trailer could generate in Queensland or the NT!