In the truck industry, Scania is renowned as the “King of the Road.” Its powerful performance, outstanding reliability, and excellent comfort make Scania trucks the dream of every truck driver. At the 2024 Hannover International Commercial Vehicle Show (referred to as IAA), Scania presented a full range of solutions from diesel to pure electric under the theme “Future Energy Hub.” In today’s article, we will take a closer look at what was on displa
In 1969, Scania introduced the legendary DS14 series engines to the European market. This series featured a V8 configuration with a displacement of 14.2 liters and an output of 350 horsepower, making it the most powerful truck engine in Europe at the time. This marked the beginning of Scania’s V8 legacy.
Over the past 55 years, the V8 engine has become a core part of Scania’s identity. Today, Scania is the only company in Europe offering V8 engines for commercial trucks. The new generation V8 engine can produce 770 horsepower and meet current emission standards, continuing the V8 legend.
At this year’s IAA, the Scania 660 S tractor unit with the new generation V8 engine was showcased. The engine model is DC 16 122, with a displacement of 16.4 liters, delivering 660 horsepower and 3300 Nm of torque. It is compatible with renewable fuels such as HVO (Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil) and FAME, enabling clean and efficient operation. The S series is Scania’s top-tier product line, with the CS20H high-roof sleeper cab providing ample living space for drivers. These elements combine to justify its flagship status.
In the outdoor exhibition area, Scania also presented a 660 R truck-mounted crane with an 8×2+ rear-axle steering chassis, equipped with a Palfinger crane. Like the Scania 660 S, it also features the DC 16 122 V8 engine. Both models are equipped with Scania’s new generation OptiCruise transmission: the G33CM. This transmission incorporates several new technologies, replacing the traditional reverse gear with a planetary gear set, providing high transmission efficiency. The G33CM’s input torque of 3300 Nm pairs perfectly with the DC 16 122 V8 engine’s 3300 Nm torque.
In addition to the traditional V8 power, Scania also showcased the Super power models: the 460 R efficient tractor unit, which uses a 4×2 drive configuration and is the most common setup for long-distance transport in Europe. Scania’s Super powertrain is centered around the new generation DC 13 17X inline six-cylinder diesel engine, built on the latest DW6 engine platform. It features an integrated cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, and an XPI (Extra High Pressure Injection) system for improved fuel efficiency.
The Scania 460 R model uses the DC 13 175 engine, delivering 460 horsepower and 2500 Nm of torque, paired with Scania’s new generation OptiCruise transmission: the G25CM. This transmission retains the structural design and leading technology of the G33CM, offering high transmission efficiency. Paired with the R756 high-efficiency single-stage reduction rear axle with a 2.53 ratio, it achieves extremely low fuel consumption. This Super powertrain is already available domestically, allowing users to experience its efficiency in real-world operations.
In practical tests, the Scania 460 R 4×2 tractor unit achieved an ultra-low fuel consumption of 23.61L/100KM and an average speed of 79.70KM/H, demonstrating excellent operational efficiency. Despite this, the Scania 460 R 4×2 does not compromise on living space, still featuring the CR20H high-roof sleeper cab. Combined with lightweight measures, the vehicle’s curb weight is only 7040 kilograms, leading in its class. Due to its advantages, the Scania 460 R with the Super powertrain has won the “Green Truck Award.”
The outdoor exhibition also featured a 460 R 4×2 tractor unit, both painted in striking green, reflecting its core of efficient and green transport. However, there are minor differences between the indoor and outdoor models, such as the outdoor model being equipped with a roof-mounted spotlight, while the indoor model does not include this feature.
In the indoor exhibit, Scania also presented a special R 460 natural gas tractor unit. It features CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) tanks on the left side of the chassis and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) tanks on the right side, allowing compatibility with both fuel types. As European natural gas supply stabilizes, natural gas trucks have become popular again due to lower operating costs and cleaner emissions, resulting in reduced tolls. Additionally, the vehicle can run on biomethane, achieving 100% renewable energy utilization and improving fuel efficiency by 5%.
The Scania R 460 natural gas tractor unit is equipped with the OC 13 104 natural gas engine. This engine is derived from the DC 13 series diesel engine, featuring a Bosch natural gas injection system and a spark ignition design. This means the engine requires spark plugs to ignite the natural gas and drive the pistons. The OC 13 series engine also retains diesel-related components, allowing it to run on diesel in emergency situations.
The OC 13 104 natural gas engine produces 460 horsepower and 2300 Nm of torque, with the maximum torque range covering 1000 to 1300 RPM. It is matched with Scania’s new generation OptiCruise transmission: the G25CM, and is complemented by the R756 high-efficiency single-stage reduction rear axle with a 2.53 ratio. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with Scania’s new generation hydraulic retarder: the R4700D, with a braking torque of 4700 Nm, enhancing safety on long descents and other challenging road conditions.
On September 5, 2023, Scania’s battery assembly plant in Södertälje, Sweden, was put into operation. This plant, operated by Scania itself, is a key part of Scania’s future strategy for trucks. By 2030, it is anticipated that electric trucks will make up half of Scania’s annual new vehicle sales.
As part of the company’s key strategy, Scania also showcased its fully electric heavy-duty trucks at this year’s IAA. The image above shows the Scania 40 R heavy-duty long-distance electric truck, featuring a 4×2 tractor configuration and the R series cab. Based on a highly modular vehicle system, Scania’s electric heavy-duty trucks offer flexible customization, allowing for different cabs, battery capacities, and electric drive systems to match specific vehicle requirements.
Scania’s electric long-distance heavy-duty trucks currently include four basic models: 40 R, 45 R, 40 S, and 45 S. The “40” denotes a motor power of 400 kW, while the “45” denotes 450 kW. “R” and “S” refer to the R series or S series truck cabs. Additionally, the Scania electric long-distance heavy-duty trucks are available in various configurations including 4×2 and 6×2 tractors, and 4×2, 6×2, and 6×2*4 chassis models, catering to different industry needs.
A distinctive feature of Scania’s long-distance electric trucks is their battery, developed jointly with Swedish battery manufacturer NorthVolt. It uses an NMC lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide formula. Since 2017, Scania has been developing commercial vehicle batteries with NorthVolt. These batteries are notable for their environmental friendliness and low carbon footprint, with the production process using 100% fossil-free energy and key components being recyclable. NorthVolt aims to use recycled materials for half of its annual cell production by 2030.
The battery developed with NorthVolt for Scania’s electric long-distance trucks features a modular design that allows for flexible scaling of energy capacity. Each battery pack can be individually configured, enabling the truck to adapt to different operational ranges and energy needs. The battery system supports ultra-fast charging capabilities, allowing for significant range recovery during short breaks, which is crucial for long-distance transport efficiency.
The electric truck models on display at the IAA also include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies. Scania’s autonomous driving solutions, designed to enhance safety and efficiency, are part of their ongoing research and development efforts. These technologies aim to reduce driver fatigue, improve road safety, and optimize fuel consumption through smart route planning and adaptive driving strategies.
In summary, Scania’s presentation at the 2024 IAA highlighted the company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. By showcasing a diverse range of products, including the iconic V8 engines, the Super power models, natural gas-powered trucks, and fully electric vehicles, Scania demonstrated its ability to meet various market demands and environmental challenges. The emphasis on both traditional and cutting-edge technologies reflects Scania’s strategy to lead the commercial vehicle industry into a greener and more efficient future.
The Scania 40 R electric truck on display at the IAA is equipped with the Scania EM C1-4 electric drive unit, delivering 400kW (540 horsepower). The EM C1-4 unit stands out for its compact and lightweight design, providing a range of power levels suited for broader applications. This model’s performance and power output are comparable to Scania’s Super Series 13-liter diesel engines
Another key feature of the Scania 40 R electric truck is its large battery capacity. It is equipped with seven battery packs, increasing the vehicle’s total battery capacity to 728kWh. With a maximum gross weight of 40 tons, the truck can travel up to 530 kilometers on a single charge and supports fast DC charging with a power output of 375kW.
The EM C1-4 electric drive unit features a dual-output shaft structure, enhancing its power distribution and efficiency. This design allows the truck to handle demanding transportation tasks effectively, providing a robust solution for heavy-duty electric trucking.
At the exhibition, Scania also presented a 40 R 6×2 heavy-duty chassis with a swap body system. The second axle is a drive axle, while the third axle features lift and steer functions. The swap body system allows for quick and efficient cargo changes, improving loading and unloading efficiency and reducing downtime.
The swap body system is operated using a frame, positioning pins, and locking mechanisms on the chassis. The swap body itself is equipped with supports, enabling the driver to perform the swap alone. This system eliminates the need to wait for unloading, allowing for immediate replacement of the full cargo with an empty one.
Thanks to the support structures for the swap body, the process is relatively simple and only requires skillful reversing from the driver. The system can also accommodate additional equipment such as towing hooks and electrical connections, allowing for the attachment of full trailers or center-axle trailers, thereby enhancing transportation capacity. The rear anti-collision bars of the Scania 40 R feature a retractable design, with mounting points provided on the chassis for electrical connections and towing hooks.
The Scania 40 R 6×2 swap body chassis is powered by the Scania P160+ electric motor, which delivers 400kW (540 horsepower) and is paired with the Scania GE281 six-speed transmission. This electric drive system is well-established and capable of meeting the demands of heavy-duty, high-intensity transportation.
The 2024 IAA exhibition featured Scania’s Future Energy Hub, showcasing a broad array of products. The classic V8 engines, now compatible with renewable fuels such as HVO and FAME, demonstrate how even traditional engines can achieve cleaner, more efficient performance. The Scania 460 R, awarded the “Green Truck Award,” represents the pinnacle of European truck power systems. Combined with natural gas and electric vehicles, Scania offers a complete product lineup for reducing and eventually eliminating carbon emissions.
In the outdoor exhibition area, Scania also showcased additional interesting exhibits, such as the limited-edition “Frost” and “Flame” 770 S tractors, electric service cranes, and the Fencer series city buses developed in collaboration with Hege. These topics will be covered in detail in upcoming articles. Thank you for reading this article! To stay updated with the latest and most in-depth IAA content, don’t forget to follow us!
