Scania is testing a unique and potentially exciting way to power electric transport fleets.
A groundbreaking hybrid truck, featuring a trailer covered in solar panels, is now hitting public roads as part of a two-year research collaboration involving Scania, Uppsala University, Eksjö Maskin & Truck, Midsummer, Ernsts Express, and Dalakraft. This innovative project harnesses solar energy to not only reduce operational costs but also dramatically decrease local emissions, paving the way for a greener future in the transport sector.
Scania, a long-time pioneer in sustainable transport solutions, is at the forefront of this initiative. Stas Krupenia, Head of the Research Office at Scania, highlighted the significance of the project, stating, “Scania’s purpose is to drive the shift towards a sustainable transport system. Never before have solar panels been used to generate energy for a truck’s powertrain like we do in this collaboration. This natural energy source can significantly decrease emissions in the transport sector. It is great to be at the forefront in the development of the next generation’s trucks.”
The hybrid truck serves as a vital component of a research project aimed at assessing the generated solar energy and quantifying the reduction in carbon emissions achieved through the use of solar panels. In addition to enhancing existing solar panel technology for trucks, researchers are also exploring how multiple solar-equipped trucks can interact with the power grid, potentially revolutionizing energy consumption in the industry.
Erik Johansson, Project Manager and Professor of physical chemistry at Uppsala University, expressed excitement about the project, stating, “This is an exciting project where academia and industry together try to decrease the climate impact from truck transports. The results from this unique truck will be very interesting.”
The hybrid truck’s 18-meter trailer is nearly entirely covered in solar panels, equivalent in power to a residential solar panel setup. In Sweden, this solar energy extends the truck’s annual driving range by up to 5,000 kilometers. In sunnier regions like Spain, the vehicle can potentially double its solar energy generation and, subsequently, its driving range compared to Swedish conditions.
The project also includes research into new lightweight tandem solar cells, combining Midsummer’s solar cells with perovskite solar cells to achieve higher energy conversion efficiency. Such advancements could potentially double the solar energy generated compared to current panel technology.
Erik Olsson, Head of Corporate Development at Midsummer, emphasized the potential impact of solar panels on commercial vehicles, saying, “Our solar panels are excellent for applications that make commercial vehicles sustainable. We see great potential to decrease the emissions from heavy vehicles with electrification. Electricity generated by solar panels will save fuel and carbon emissions.”
The project has also explored the impact of charging the truck on the electricity grid and the potential for selling surplus energy back. While two-way charging is not straightforward due to unclear legislation, it is a promising avenue for future development.
The solar-powered hybrid truck will undergo real-world testing by the haulage company Ernsts Express AB. Lars Evertsson, CEO of Ernsts Express, emphasized the importance of electrification from renewable sources in the trucking industry, saying, “The whole industry is facing big challenges in general, and with fuel in particular. Electrification from renewable electricity is the future.”
This cutting-edge solar-powered truck is the result of a research project partly funded by the government agency of innovation Vinnova, with the aim of developing low-impact climate trucks powered by solar energy. Featuring a 560-horsepower plug-in hybrid engine, the truck boasts a trailer covered by thin, lightweight, and flexible solar panels, with a maximum efficiency of 13.2 kWp (kilowatt peak). These panels are estimated to deliver 8,000 kilowatt hours (kWh) annually when operating in Sweden. The truck’s batteries have a total capacity of 300 kWh, with 100 kWh on the truck and 200 kWh on the trailer.
This innovative endeavor stands as a testament to the industry’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing renewable energy solutions for a more sustainable future.
