In the European truck industry today, Scania is undoubtedly a leading player, dominating the sector with its unrivaled diesel engine technology. Currently, Scania is the only truck manufacturer that offers V8 engines, and its newly launched Super Powertrain, centered on a new generation inline six-cylinder engine, showcases impressive efficiency, low fuel consumption, and a robust product lineup.
As the “King of the Road,” Scania’s product line covers a wide range, including trucks and buses, with various powertrains such as diesel and natural gas. As the world changes rapidly, energy saving, emission reduction, and decarbonization of transportation have become crucial topics. Statistics show that about two-thirds of Europe’s carbon emissions from heavy road freight come from long-distance transportation. Achieving “zero carbon” in long-haul transport is vital for carbon neutrality goals.
At the recently concluded “world’s largest commercial vehicle exhibition”—the IAA Commercial Vehicles Show in Hannover, Germany—Scania presented two pure electric heavy-duty trucks in the indoor exhibit: the 40 R pure electric tractor and the 40 R pure electric swap body chassis, which cover the two most common heavy-duty freight transport modes in Europe: tractor and cargo transport. What are the technical highlights, and what strategy does Scania reveal through these vehicles? In today’s article, we will explore these aspects together.
A Modular Platform with Multiple Vehicle Configurations
In the trucking industry, Scania’s modular component system is highly advanced. By using different engines and cabins, Scania can assemble various models like building blocks. This modular platform allows Scania to offer more model variations at a lower cost, a feature now extended to pure electric heavy trucks.
40 R 6×2 Swap Body Chassis
At this year’s IAA, both pure electric heavy-duty trucks introduced by Scania belong to the R-series, meaning they are equipped with the R-series cabin. Compared to the P-series and other previous pure electric trucks from Scania, the R-series cabin is larger, providing drivers with ample space for stretching out, making it more suitable for long-haul transport. Additionally, Scania also offers the S-series cabin, which provides even greater comfort.
Both electric heavy-duty trucks on display feature the CR20H high-roof sleeper cabin. In its name, “C” stands for Cab, “R” stands for R-series trucks, “20” indicates a cabin length of 20 decimeters, and “H” represents the roof height, which is HighLine. This cabin is identical to the diesel models, with interchangeable parts, ensuring high living standards while reducing both purchase and operational costs.
The roof of the 40 R pure electric tractor features the word “ELECTRIC,” indicating it is electric, with additional strip lights on the sun visor.
Since the cabins remain consistent, the exterior design naturally inherits the signature look of Scania’s diesel heavy trucks, continuing the NTG generation’s overall design. The front is dominated by a layered grille, with densely arranged ventilation meshes inside, divided by multiple grille strips that resemble muscle lines. Both displayed vehicles have a blackened front grille, enhancing the high-end and muscular appearance.
The exhibited 40 R pure electric tractor has removed the side-mounted spotlights on both sides of the large SCANIA badge, while the 40 R swap body chassis retains this feature.
Lifting the front grille reveals the mechanical components. The front grille on Scania trucks is designed in sections. Besides the central grille, there are left and right side panels, a design carried over to the electric trucks. Scania has placed the cabin’s electric lifting handle under the side panel. The remote control can only be accessed after opening the side panel, preventing vehicle damage if the side panel is not opened during lifting.
Under the cabin, where the engine was previously housed, various electrical components are now compactly integrated at the front of the vehicle, freeing up space on the sides of the chassis to accommodate more equipment, enhancing the chassis’ utilization rate. This also improves the vehicle’s thermal management system for higher energy efficiency.
Scania’s Self-Manufactured Battery Packs with Reliable Performance and Megawatt Charging Capabilities
On September 5, 2023, Scania’s Battery Assembly Plant officially commenced operations at its headquarters in Södertälje, Sweden. This battery assembly facility, operated by Scania itself, is a crucial part of Scania’s future strategy for trucks. It is anticipated that by 2030, electric trucks will account for half of Scania’s annual new vehicle sales. At this year’s IAA Commercial Vehicles Show, Scania also showcased its self-assembled batteries.
The batteries used in Scania’s electric heavy trucks were co-developed with the Swedish battery manufacturer NorthVolt, utilizing the NMC811 lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide formula. Since 2017, Scania has been collaborating with NorthVolt to develop power batteries for commercial vehicles. One significant feature of these batteries is their environmentally friendly, low-carbon production. The manufacturing process for the cells uses 100% fossil-free energy, and key components are recyclable. NorthVolt expects that by 2030, half of its annual cell production will use recycled materials.
The power battery developed by Scania and NorthVolt has a prismatic design, with a single cell capacity of 157 Ah and a nominal voltage of 3.6 V. The cells are produced at NorthVolt’s battery factory in northern Sweden and are then transported to Scania’s Södertälje battery assembly plant. Here, Scania assembles the cells into battery packs, which are subsequently installed in electric trucks. Thanks to strong charge and discharge performance, this battery can be fully charged and discharged, with a lifespan of up to 1.5 million kilometers, covering the entire lifecycle of electric heavy trucks.
Upon arrival at the battery assembly plant, Scania connects 18 cells in series and adds a control unit, forming a battery pack with a voltage of 65 V and a capacity of 10.4 kWh. These are then fully connected in series to create a large battery pack of 104 kWh, which is installed on the electric heavy truck products.
Both the 40 R tractor and the 40 R swap body chassis feature a side-mounted battery design located on either side of the chassis, facilitating maintenance and freeing up space for the vehicle’s central electric drive system. The 40 R swap body chassis utilizes six battery packs totaling 624 kWh, providing a range of 520 kilometers. The 40 R tractor is equipped with seven battery packs totaling 728 kWh, achieving a range of 532 kilometers when fully loaded at a total weight of 40 tons.
To accommodate the large battery pack, the wheelbase of the 40 R tractor has been extended to 4.15 meters.
The top of the battery pack features a blue decorative strip and the text “SCANIA BATTERY TECHNOLOGY,” showcasing the attention to detail.
Currently, both the Scania 40 R pure electric tractor and the 40 R pure electric swap body chassis are equipped with high-power DC fast charging capabilities, with a maximum charging power of 375 kW. Furthermore, Scania is actively developing and testing MCS megawatt fast charging, which will reach charging powers up to the megawatt (1000 kW) level and will be integrated into future pure electric heavy truck models. However, both vehicles currently utilize CCS Type-2 combined fast charging interfaces, which are not compatible with the megawatt fast charging interfaces being used.
Central Electric Drive Performance Similar to Diesel Vehicles
In terms of electric drive, Scania’s pure electric heavy truck does not use the currently fashionable electric drive axle technology, but instead adopts central electric drive technology. At this year’s IAA auto show, Scania presented its new generation central electric drive assembly: EM C1-4, which is mounted on the exhibited 40 R tractor.
Scania’s new generation central electric drive assembly includes three models: EM C1-2, EM C1-4, and EM C3-6. Both EM C1-2 and EM C1-4 use a single motor, integrating a two-speed and a four-speed transmission, respectively. The EM C3-6 features three motors, integrating a six-speed transmission. The EM C1-2 offers 280 hp and 320 hp versions, while the EM C1-4 provides 360 hp, 410 hp, 440 hp, 490 hp, and 540 hp versions. The EM C3-6 offers 540 hp and 610 hp versions.
The power output performance of these three electric drive assemblies corresponds to Scania’s diesel era engines: the DC 09 five-cylinder engine, Super series 13-liter engine, and 16.4-liter V8 engine, forming the trio of Scania’s electrification era. Among these, the advantage of the EM C1-4 is its compact and lightweight structure, and it has a wider range of horsepower, making it more suitable for widespread application. Its product positioning and power level are comparable to Scania’s Super series 13-liter diesel engine.
The Scania 40 R pure electric tractor on display is equipped with the 540 hp version of the EM C1-4, outputting 2800 Nm of torque, matched with a conventional rear axle with a 3.36 gear ratio. With the help of the transmission, the electric motor can better utilize its torque characteristics and avoid the high energy consumption caused by high RPM, thereby enhancing the driving range. At the same time, the vehicle’s rear axle is consistent with traditional trucks, making usage and maintenance more conventional and cost-effective.
The exhibited 40 R pure electric swap body chassis adopts a completely different electric drive system, composed of the P160+ motor matched with the GE281 six-speed transmission. The P160+ motor is one of Scania’s most powerful motors, offering two power levels of 400 kW and 450 kW, with a single motor providing remarkable power. The display vehicle is equipped with the 400 kW (540 hp) version, outputting the same torque of 2800 Nm. Thanks to the smooth shifting provided by the automatic transmission, the vehicle’s power output performance is quite impressive.
Tractor + Swap Body Covers Mainstream Applications
Scania has designed side skirts and a sturdy frame for the battery pack, while also reducing the distance between the chassis to meet the challenge of large volume batteries. It is these special designs that make the installation of large-capacity batteries possible. Furthermore, thanks to the compact layout, the saddle height of the 40 R pure electric tractor can be as low as 105 cm, making it compatible with high-capacity trailers with higher internal heights.
In response to the relevant regulations of the EU’s latest GSR general safety regulations, this Scania 40 R pure electric tractor is equipped with two millimeter-wave radars added to the rear of the front wheel arches, scanning the blind spots on the sides of the vehicle to enhance safety during lane changes and turns.
At the same time, the rear axle of the Scania 40 R pure electric tractor features air suspension, providing better shock absorption and adjustable vehicle height to accommodate different trailers.
The upper structure of the Scania 40 R pure electric swap body chassis is built by SDG Company, fixed to the original vehicle frame, emphasizing lightweight design and low height to accommodate larger cargo boxes and higher loads.
In Europe, swap bodies are a very common mode of transport, significantly improving vehicle utilization and avoiding delays due to loading and unloading processes. The basic operation mode is similar to “dollies,” where there is no need to wait for the unloading process; the fully loaded cargo box is directly unloaded and replaced with an empty one.
The functionality of the swap body is realized through the framework, locating pins, and twist locks on the top of the chassis, with the matched cargo box equipped with support legs, allowing the driver to complete the loading and unloading work alone. The loading and unloading of the swap body is also quite simple, only testing the driver’s reversing skills, but it is considerably easier than backing a semi-trailer.
In addition to transportation, it can also further be equipped with towing hooks, electrical interfaces, and other equipment to tow full trailers or center-axle trailers, further increasing transport capacity. For this reason, the rear guard of this Scania 40 R pure electric swap body chassis adopts a retractable design, and a towing hook is installed on the frame, leaving space for the installation of other equipment.
This Scania 40 R pure electric swap body chassis adopts a 6×2 drive format, with all axles consistent with those of diesel trucks. Among them, the second axle is the drive axle, while the third axle can be lifted and supports dynamic steering, greatly enhancing the vehicle’s maneuverability.
A fire extinguisher is designed behind the rear axle to meet mandatory requirements.
Cab Innovation, Smart Cabin Debut
In terms of the cab, Scania’s pure electric heavy truck maintains consistency with the diesel model. In response to the increasing safety threats in European service areas, Scania has designed an independent cab lock for the vehicle. It can lock the vehicle door and the boarding handrail, only accessible from inside the vehicle, preventing criminals from pulling open the door and committing robbery. Moreover, the cab lock adopts a fully mechanical structure, ensuring high security without the risk of interference from electronic devices, serving as a protective tool for drivers during overnight rests.
This is what it looks like in use.
Although it is a new configuration, the details are quite well thought out. Its handle surface is adorned with high-gloss silver decoration, and the outer side features reflective markings, enhancing the visibility when opening the vehicle door.
Upon entering the vehicle, you will find that although the steering wheel is still the same flat-bottom multifunctional steering wheel from Scania’s NTG series trucks, the instrument panel behind it has quietly changed. Indeed! Scania’s Smart Dash intelligent instrument system has finally been implemented. As early as September 2023, Scania released this new multimedia interior, which has now been integrated into Scania’s electric trucks, providing a more personalized configuration.
The digital instrument panel in front of the driver now adopts a fully configurable design, allowing drivers to freely arrange the information displayed. Depending on driving habits, preferences, and transportation tasks, they can easily adjust the dashboard according to their own needs. In addition to multiple driving modes, the display can also show battery usage, remaining power, and even charging progress.
The Smart Dash instrument panel is compatible with Scania’s cloud services, allowing drivers to retrieve and analyze driving data remotely, providing detailed information for operators and logistics companies. The redesigned user interface makes it easy for drivers to grasp the information they need without being distracted from driving. This will greatly improve driving safety and reduce potential hazards.
The cabin of the Scania 40 R pure electric heavy truck also features smart space utilization design, such as a pull-out dining table and functional storage compartments, ensuring the driver’s comfort during long-distance operations. The interior design highlights Scandinavian minimalist aesthetics, focusing on simplicity, ease of use, and effective space utilization, emphasizing comfort and functionality, enhancing driver satisfaction.
Even in the era of electric trucks, the gear shifting still employs a column-mounted control.
The electronic handbrake has also become a standard feature, combined with the automatic parking function, meeting the requirements of the EU GSR general safety regulations, preventing safety incidents such as rolling away due to forgetting to engage the handbrake.
Regarding the sleeping area, the Scania 40 R pure electric heavy truck continues the excellent comfort of the diesel version. The rear wall of the cab can accommodate additional storage cabinets, allowing drivers to carry more items, catering to the needs of long-distance transport.
For the upper and lower bunk configuration, the vehicle has reserved reading lights on the side wall of the cab; however, the actual vehicle does not come with an upper bunk.
Under the bed, there is a large-sized pull-out storage cabinet and a refrigerator, expanding the storage space inside the vehicle.
Summary
Scania has always held a strong position in the diesel heavy truck sector, with its Super powertrain and V8 engines being top products in the industry. Now, with the increasing demand for decarbonization in the transport sector, Scania has also introduced an electric truck product line, covering various models such as P, G, L, R, and S, forming a product matrix of different tonnages and applications. According to Scania’s forecast, by 2030, electric trucks will account for half of Scania’s annual new vehicle sales. This is undoubtedly an ambitious goal, and let’s look forward to Scania’s performance together! Thank you for reading this article! If you want to see more interesting and informative commercial vehicle content, don’t forget to follow us!
