A new electric future is coming for trucks: extended range
Scania and DHL have worked together to create this prototype that runs on an electric motor and adds a range extender.
The problem of heavy road transport is posed by the high energy consumption of trucks. For an electric truck to be functional it must be large and heavy. In addition, it must have a highly efficient charging infrastructure, something that does not yet exist, especially for those large batteries.
If we look at the hydrogen, it turns out that there is not yet 100% efficient technology and let's not talk about the charging infrastructure.
Therefore, Scania has created a new system to move large and heavy trucks that travel long distances. Work will be done on a EREV system, that is, in traction trains with a range extender. This system is becoming a very efficient way of moving cars, although it had not yet been applied to trucks.
These are vehicles that They move thanks to an electric motor, although they maintain a combustion engineThis works as a power generator that feeds the motor, so consumption is much lower and great autonomy is achieved for the electric motor.
An Iveco prototype with DHL
Scania has worked alongside DHL to create this model EREV.
It is a 10,5 meter truck and supports a total weight of 40 tons. Its engine has a continuous power of 230 kW, equivalent to 313 hp. Electrical energy is stored in batteries with a capacity of 416 kWh, although in the EREV version one of the batteries is replaced by the combustion engine.
This has a power of 120 kW, that is, 163 HPInitially, this engine will be powered by gasoline, but in future versions it will be replaced by diesel. Currently, with a full tank and charged batteries, it offers a range of up to 800 kilometers. A fully electric truck has a range of 550 kilometres.
The advantage is that, when the time comes, the truck can refuel at any petrol station and continue to operate.
One of the advantages is that even though the combustion engine is running, It consumes up to 80% less than a traditional diesel engine that powers the truck..
In addition, if it detects that it enters a reduced emissions zone, the truck itself limits the use of the gasoline generator.
Testing of this truck begins soon and it is going to to be able to enjoy this new vehicle coming soon to German roads.