Scania has launched its first fully electric truck and the good news is that its range of up to 250km will let it operate during the whole day and “still return safely to its home depot for overnight charging”.
The Swedish truck, bus and engine-maker also clarified that if there is a need for an extended range, the driver can fast charge the truck over a break or during natural stops in operation.
It added that the range is, “of course, dependent on the weight, body type and topography” with truck set to offer the option of either five batteries, for a total of 165 kWh, or nine totalling 300 kWh installed capacity. The reduced five battery array does – understandably – cut the range to 130 km but it does offer the possibility of fast charging to full capacity in under an hour.
Obviously, batteries take up space and they are mounted where the combustion engine would normally be housed. Additional batteries are also mounted on the chassis frame, alongside other components needed for fully electric propulsion, such as battery management units, battery cooling components, electrohydraulic steering system, electric air compressor and inverter.
In terms of power, the new electric motor is rated as providing continuous power of 230 kW, equivalent to approximately 310 hp.
Two gears are available to provide high power over a wider speed span, thereby improving comfort, says Scania with the company stressing that one of the major benefits with an electric motor compared with combustion engine is its high controllability. In practice, the customer will experience this through faster acceleration and response from the powertrain, says the company.
The all-important charging process is handled through a CCS charging connector which can hook the truck to the electric grid.
According to Scania, with 130 kW DC charging, the five battery packs will be charged in less than 55 minutes and the nine batteries in less than 100 minutes. The truck can also be charged through regenerative braking.
Transporters interested in power take off (PTO) should note that the DC box mounted on the chassis provides up to 60 kW PTO for body auxiliaries such as refrigeration systems and hooklifts. This again, represents a shift from the normal set-up where PTO is controlled by connecting auxiliaries to an interface that is usually located on the gearbox or engine.
While the 60kW PTO is not insubstantial and fits the urban environment roles this truck will be most suited for, it will be worth checking with your local dealer as to whether it will be enough for your applications.
Likewise, the cab choices – the L- and P-series cabs – are also both at their best in urban operations. The low-floor L-series cab, particularly, is purpose-designed for congested city conditions with unrivalled visibility, says Scania.
“Sustainable emission-free transport is an increasing requirement for transport companies,” says Anders Lampinen, director, New Technologies. “Acquiring an electric truck is not just an investment in the customer’s fleet, but also in its brand and market. The electric truck enables the customer to stay ahead of the competition, learn about infrastructural challenges and start adapting for the future.”
