Swedish-based heavy commercial vehicle manufacturer, Scania, has launched its first electric truck range, with both full electric and plug-in hybrid variants.

The Scania fully electric trucks, available in L- and P-series rigid format, are offered with either a 165 or 300 kilowatt hour (kWh) battery pack to power its 230 kilowatt (kW) electric motor.
 
Five batteries are used for 165 kWh, with nine batteries employed for 300 kWh. With the combustion engine removed, one battery is placed in the former engine tunnel with the remaining four or eight batteries placed along the chassis side.  In 300kWh format, a range of up to 155 miles can be achieved on a single charge.  
 
The batteries can be charged by 130 kW DC using a Combined Charging System (CCS) connector. The charging time from zero to 80 percent is approximately 40 minutes for the five-battery option and approximately 65 minutes for the nine-battery option. In addition, the batteries are continuously charged in motion through regenerative braking energy.
 
Scania’s plug-in hybrid truck, also available in L- and P-series rigid format, has an electric range of 37 miles, but as it has a combustion engine, it can travel for longer.  The plug-in hybrid is equipped with three batteries for an installed capacity of 90 kWh for its 115 kW electric motor. The charging time from zero to 80 percent is approximately 35 minutes.  In addition to charging via regenerative braking energy, battery power can also be topped up during loading and unloading. The electric powertrain is combined with combustion engine options ranging from 280–360 horsepower.
 
In addition to general cargo and temperature-controlled transport, e-trucks can be equipped with a wide range of bodywork, such as hooklifts, tippers, concrete mixers and refuse collectors, as well as secondary support vehicles for the emergency services. In support of operators looking to be early adopters of electric technology, Scania (Great Britain) Limited will initially be creating a series of regional servicing hubs strategically located throughout the UK.  As uptake increases, additional servicing points will be added in accordance with demand.
 
“We are convinced that progressive customers will be eager to lead the way into electrification by taking the initial steps to future-proof their fleets,” says Scania (Great Britain) Limited’s UK Sales Director, Vincente Connolly.  “In major transport companies with large fleets, implementation gives them an early opportunity to gain experience in this area. Meanwhile, we know that large transport buyers are interested in reducing their carbon footprint.
 
“Both the plug-in and fully electric truck will be essential for operating in the growing number of urban areas around the world with low-emission city centre zones. They also provide opportunities for increased vehicle utilisation. With silent deliveries, transport services can be extended well into the night and early mornings, avoiding traffic congestion and parking difficulties. Studies show that off-peak deliveries can be more than 30 percent quicker than on equivalent daytime transport routes thanks to simpler parking at delivery points, less queuing, higher speeds and more frequent green lights at intersections.”