Scania and DHL Group have partnered to develop an innovative electric truck equipped with a fuel-powered generator, enabling a transition to battery-electric road transport while addressing challenges such as limited charging infrastructure. Electric vehicles (EVs) are seen as the key to sustainable transport, but there are significant obstacles like the lack of charging points, high costs for depot charging during peak periods, and grid strain during low-demand periods. The new Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) from Scania and DHL is designed to overcome these hurdles, helping DHL achieve 80-90% of its transport on renewable electricity.
The EREV is a 10.5-meter-long truck with a maximum weight of 40 metric tons, featuring a 230kW electric engine (295 kW peak) and a 416 kWh battery. It also includes a 120 kW gasoline-powered generator, which can later be powered by diesel or HVO. The generator extends the vehicle’s range to up to 800 kilometers, providing backup energy when needed.
With the option to limit fuel-powered generator use through software, the EREV helps reduce CO2 emissions. The truck has a top speed of 89 km/h, a cargo capacity of about 1,000 parcels (equivalent to a swap body), and the ability to pull a trailer with another swap body. The vehicle will be used for transport between Berlin and Hamburg as part of DHL’s fleet trial.
The fuel-powered generator replaces one of the truck’s battery packs, lowering battery range but providing critical energy support during certain scenarios. The EREV can be refueled at any conventional petrol station and is expected to offer a range of 650 to 800 kilometers, depending on test results. This compares to the 550-kilometer range of Scania’s current leading 100% electric trucks.
DHL Group CEO Tobias Meyer stated, “It will take time for renewable electricity, grid infrastructure, and charging stations to meet the needs of large-scale systems like our German parcel network. Instead of waiting, we are collaborating with Scania on a practical solution that reduces CO2 emissions by over 80% right now.”
Christian Levin, CEO of Scania, emphasized the importance of interim solutions: “The future is electric, but we must find ways to scale decarbonized transport in the short term. This collaboration with DHL is an example of how we can contribute to climate change mitigation while working toward a fully electrified transport system.”
With over 130 years of experience in mobility solutions, Scania Commercial Vehicles AB is a global leader known for world-class products and services tailored to diverse transportation markets. Scania has a global workforce of more than 50,000 employees across over 100 countries, with a customized sales and service network to meet customer needs.
Scania is also a leading supplier of engines for industrial, marine, and power generation purposes, focusing on social, environmental, and economic sustainability. All Scania vehicles are adaptable to run on alternative or renewable fuels.
Entering the Indian market in 2007, Scania focused on revolutionizing the mining and construction segments. By 2011, Scania Commercial Vehicles India Pvt Ltd. was established, with a state-of-the-art automotive assembly facility in Narasapura, Karnataka. Scania India is committed to developing smart and sustainable mobility solutions, particularly through locally produced biofuels that significantly reduce carbon emissions and promote environmentally conscious transport solutions.
