Scania has begun the global sales rollout of its new under-cab battery module, which enables operators to optimize battery capacity for the vast majority of transportation needs. Heavy loads, advanced bodywork and long-haulage transportation assignments can now be electrified with improved operational precision, and in some applications, it’s now possible to achieve a range well beyond 800km on one charge.
The positioning of the battery module under the cab of the Scania electric truck frees up more space for bodywork and addresses how to balance the needs of range, without reducing the payload. The increase in gross train weight allowance introduced by the European Union in 2025 means that Scania can deliver a 400kWh usable capacity option for 360km of typical range without needing to lower payload – all the way up to the legal maximum.
The right battery charging strategy
Battery capacity is not the only factor that determines an electric truck’s operational range. While larger batteries can support longer distances, they may be unnecessary for transportation operations with shorter daily routes, such as 300km instead of 500km. In some applications, using a larger battery than is necessary for the route can lead to a a reduced payload capacity due to the additional weight.
Instead, the charging strategy used for the job plays a key role, and the introduction of Scania’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS) supports this focus. Given the legally required rest breaks for the drivers, transporters can plan a battery charge during a journey at a natural stopping point, and top up from 20% to 75% – a further charge could be done at the delivery depot or on the way back to the truck’s base, all of which helps reduce both operating and capital expenditure.
“The new under-cab battery module optimizes the placing of the truck batteries to transporters’ advantage,” said Tobias Ejderhamn, global manager, transformation and new business at Scania. “Thus, with the right battery set-up, MCS and a good charging strategy – using Scania’s own charging company Erinion or Scania Charging Access out on the road – our customers can easily solve the range versus payload question.
“All of this just underlines the fact that haulage companies who choose Scania’s electric trucks are transporting goods, not kilowatt hours, and reducing their total cost of operation.”
“Scania can now offer transport operators a comprehensive path to electrification and sustainable transport; one that is reliable, seamless, and commercially viable,” said Lars Gustafsson, head of solutions management at Scania. “With these two new additions to customers’ armory it has become even easier and more attractive to make the change to electric transport.”
Related news, BYD enters UK eLCV market with Dolphin Cargo e-Van