Scania unveils BEV for longer hauls

Swedish truck manufacturer Scania has introduced its next level battery-electric truck (BEV) for commercial applications. The new generation, available with R or S sleeper cabs, is part of what the company said is a complete solution that will open the door to electrified transport for a vast number of customers and applications.

Swedish truck manufacturer Scania has introduced its next-generation battery-electric truck (BEV) for regional long-haul operations. (Photo: Scania)

With 624 kWh of batteries installed, Scania said the truck provides the means for a major shift regarding electric trucks and their operability in regional long-haul operations.

“This introduction represents a major milestone for us and for our partners,” said Christian Levin, Scania’s CEO. “We are now increasing our range in every dimension by offering new opportunities for a vast selection of customers and the whole transport ecosystem. These trucks are part of solutions that contain all the capabilities that a transport industry longing for electrification is asking for.”

Scania’s new BEV truck generation is based on Scania cornerstones such as modularity, sustainability and a total operating economy with the potential to match or exceed what can be expected from conventional trucks. And the latest electric Scania trucks are accompanied by all the support with operational factors and services that make them complete solutions, with charging, finance, insurance and maintenance all in place.

“The addition of these solutions to Scania’s portfolio is a major step-change for customers who want to take charge,” says Fredrik Allard, senior vice president and head of Electrification at Scania. “We are facilitating a transition for our customers by including important customer values such as a close partnership and zero emissions.”

Range for the new vehicle varies with weight, configuration and topography, but Scania said a 4x2 tractor with six batteries can expect up to 350 km (217 miles) between charges, with an average speed of 80 kph (50 mph) on motorways. (Photo: Scania)

With the new Scania trucks, customers will be able to operate rigids or tractor-trailer combinations such as temperature-controlled food transports. Ranges vary with weight, configuration and topography, but a 4x2 tractor with six batteries can expect up to 350 km (217 miles) between each charging, with an average speed of 80 kph (50 mph) on motorways.

Fixed routes that provide for planned charging at a home depot or at the destination are most favorable, Scania said, and opportunity charging during the driver’s mandatory 45 minutes rest will of increase the vehicle’s operating range.

“Scania has now reached a favorable maturity regarding our electrified offer,” said Allard. “With this major addition to our existing hybrids and the BEVs for urban distribution we introduced in 2020, we can now offer a sustainable and multi-faceted portfolio of zero-emission solutions for our customers.”

The new Scania BEV trucks can initially be ordered as 4x2 tractors or as 6x2 4 rigids. A 4x2 tractor will need an axle distance of 4150 mm (163 in.) when carrying six batteries, thus benefiting from the Increased Vehicle Dimension regulation in Europe. Gross train weights up to 64 tons, as per the typical Nordic combination, can be specified.

The charging capability is up to 375 kW, which means that an hour of charging will add some 270 to 300 km (167 to 186 miles) of range, as a rule of thumb. The continuous power output level for a Scania 45 R or S is 410 kW (equivalent to some 560 hp).

To see a video about the new vehicle, click here.