Scania expands its range of electric trucks

With the aim, as the company itself explains, of bringing electrification to a greater number of tasks, making it not only possible but also relevant, Scania has just announced the addition of several new models to its range of electric trucks.

Although the Swedish manufacturer initially electrified only the most popular variants of its combustion-engined trucks, the situation has now changed. The first novelty in Scania’s electric truck range is the EM C1-2, available in two versions with 210 or 240 kW of power. The company considers this model to be especially aimed at certain construction work. The compact dimensions of the EM C1-2, being somewhat shorter than other similar trucks, also make it the perfect model for activities in urban environments.

According to Fredrik Allard, Senior Vice President and head of Scania’s E-Mobility division, this model is equivalent to one fitted with a 9-litre combustion engine. Thanks to its lightness and flexibility, the EM C1-2 is suitable for a wide variety of tasks, a demand that professionals in the sector had been voicing. Equipped with a motor with a single permanent magnet, it has two gears and a torque well above what was expected, in his own words.

Allard also explains that, thanks to its new tandem axle, it is possible to fit concrete mixers, tipper bodies, cranes and other similar equipment without having to sacrifice traction or load capacity.

Battery degradation is no longer a problem

But the most notable feature of Scania’s new electric trucks is the battery packs they are fitted with, developed by Northvolt specifically for this type of heavy vehicle. The Swedish manufacturer promises that it is possible to drive 1.3 million kilometres without needing to replace them, a figure that in most cases exceeds the useful life of the truck itself.

The cells supplied by Northvolt, which in this case are prismatic, are assembled by Scania at its Södertälje plant in Sweden, forming battery packs with a capacity of 416 or 624 kWh, so the customer can choose whichever option best suits their needs.

Finally, Allard concluded by expressing confidence that the expansion of Scania’s electric truck range will end up increasing the interest of many more of the company’s customers in electric alternatives. In fact, some of them have already told him that, although they were initially somewhat sceptical, they have finally understood that this is the way forward.