Scania and Mercedes-Benz unveil avenues to electric

Scania and Mercedes-Benz have both revealed production electric truck offerings.

Mercedes-Benz is to start producing electric versions of its Actros rigid heavy truck and Econic municipal vehicle, while Scania will offer full-electric and hybrid versions of its P and L distribution chassis. Scania says it will be delivering the trucks to UK operators in the second quarter of next year.

Scania has further pledged to launch a maximum-weight truck capable of a full recharge in a 45-minute EU-mandated driver’s break period at an unspecified time in the future. Mercedes also has a ‘LongHaul’ eActros tractor unit waiting in the wings. Production of eActros for the UK, which Mercedes describes as a “lighthouse” for the e-truck market, will commence in 2022, with the eEconic to follow a year later. In each case this will be up to 12 months behind availability of left-hand drive vehicles.

Mercedes-Benz parent Daimler will also continue to offer limited numbers of the electric Fuso Canter 7.5-tonner to UK operators. All electric Daimler products will, for the time being, only be available on lease through the company’s own financial services division, as the technology is insufficiently developed for a retail offering through dealers.

At 2016’s IAA Show, Mercedes-Benz Trucks became the first manufacturer in the world to present a heavy-duty electric truck. In early 2018, the world launch of the fully redeveloped eActros took place, and since the autumn of 2018 it has been undergoing intensive practical trials with customers.

The trucks borrow heavily from Daimler’s successful experience with electric buses. An 11.5-tonne ZF AVE e-axle, incorporating twin three-phase asynchronous motors situated close to the wheel hubs, has an output of 250 kW in total (Transport Operator, 89). Space liberated by the absence of a conventional driveline allows 11 lithium ion batteries with a total 240 kW/hr capacity to be carried.

Findings from customer tests are being fed directly into development, then making their way into the series-production vehicle. So far, Mercedes says, they have shown that the fully battery-electric eActros is capable of sustainable heavy-duty distribution. When used in urban traffic, on freeways or in overland traffic, it is in no way inferior to a conventional diesel truck when it comes to availability and power delivery, the manufacturer claims.

The prototype’s calculated range of around 200 kilometres has proven to be realistic – regardless of load, route or topography, it says. Drivers enjoy the continuous availability of torque across the entire speed range and the smooth driving experience. Anticipatory driving enables the recovery of energy by engine braking.

Production versions of eActros’ will be significantly superior to existing examples in a variety of areas, claims Mercedes, including range, power and safety. The production eActros will also offer payload on a par with the conventional Actros.

The eActros will be available at launch as a two-axle and a three-axle rigid, with a 4×2 tractor unit, eActros LongHaul, with a claimed range of 500 km, appearing 12 months down the line.

Technology developed on eActros will subsequently appear on the eEconic. Mercedes says the typical work cycle of a municipal vehicle lends itself well to electric power, with relatively short and tightly scheduled routes of around 100 kilometres including a large proportion of stop-start driving.

Both models will be produced alongside diesel trucks in Mercedes’ Wörth plant. Scania’s fully-electric offering will be on rigid chassis only, with either a 165 or 300 kW/h battery pack to power its 230kW electric motor, equal to approximately 310 horsepower. Five batteries are used for 165 kWh, with nine batteries employed for 300 kWh.

With no combustion engine present, one battery is placed in the former engine tunnel with the remaining four or eight batteries placed along the chassis side. In 300 kWh format, a range of up to 250 kilometres can be achieved on a single charge. The batteries can be charged by 130 kW DC using a Combined Charging System (CCS) connector.

The charging time is less than 55 minutes for the five-battery option and less than 100 minutes for the nine-battery option. In addition, the batteries are charged in motion through regenerative braking energy.

Scania’s plug-in hybrid truck, also available in L- and P-series rigid format, can travel long distances in combustion engine mode and subsequently up to 60 kilometres under electric power.

Combined with renewable fuel, Scania’s plug-in hybrid enables operators to significantly reduce their impact upon the environment.

As the plug-in hybrid truck also has a combustion engine, the available space for batteries is less than the fully electric truck. The plug-in hybrid is equipped with three batteries for an installed capacity of 90 kWh for its 115 kW electric motor.

The charging time from zero to 80 percent is approximately 35 minutes. In addition to charging via regenerative braking energy, battery power can also be topped up during loading and unloading. The electric powertrain is combined with combustion engine options ranging from 280–360 horsepower. The vehicle’s range in electric mode is 60 kilometres.

Both these technologies build upon Scania’s modular build system, using components common throughout Scania’s truck range.

Scania’s president and CEO, Henrik Henriksson, said: “It is with a great deal of pride that we announce the start of Scania’s long-term electrification commitment.

“Looking ahead, we will annually launch electrified products for our entire range, and we are presently reorganising our production towards that end.

“Of particular significance is that in a few years’ time we will also introduce long-distance electric trucks adapted for fast-charging during drivers’ compulsory 45-minute rest periods.”\

Scania (Great Britain)’s UK sales director Vincente Connolly said: “With a proven record in delivering premium diesel and renewable fuel trucks, this launch marks a significant step in Scania’s development. Over the coming years, we will continue to develop our range of electrified vehicles for all applications, including long-haulage and construction.\

“E-vehicles will increasingly become an attractive option and we will, in the initial stages, develop and deploy hybrid and fully electric trucks in partnership with progressive operators who share our ambition and commitment to sustainability.”