New Scania Electric Truck gets 720 km range with extra batteries

Scania is expanding the range of its electric trucks with a new battery configuration capable of delivering up to 720 km of range. The Swedish manufacturer is adding two MP20 battery packs behind the cab, increasing the installed battery capacity by up to 356 kWh.

Combined with the batteries mounted in the chassis and Megawatt Charging System (MCS) technology, the new configuration is designed to make Scania’s electric trucks suitable for longer-distance operations.

The solution, known as Battery Behind Cab, is particularly significant for European long-haul transport, where range, payload, charging infrastructure and trailer compatibility all have to be considered together.

Scania electric truck reaches 720 km

The additional battery packs are installed directly behind the cab and can add up to 356 kWh of capacity. Combined with the batteries already mounted in the chassis, Scania says the resulting electric truck can achieve a maximum range of 720 km.

The configuration is offered together with Scania’s protruding Increased Vehicle Dimension (IVD) front end. According to Scania, this makes it possible to combine the additional battery capacity with a European 6×2*4 tractor-semitrailer configuration.

The solution does increase the overall length of the vehicle combination beyond 16.5 metres, but Scania says it maintains compatibility with semitrailers while preserving the vehicle’s cornering behaviour.

Aerodynamics improved by up to 3%

The new battery configuration is being introduced alongside aerodynamic improvements for Scania’s R and S series, which are designed for long-haul transport.

Scania says the updated front end can reduce energy consumption by up to 3%. The aerodynamic package includes redesigned A-pillars, extended side skirts, new door handles and camera-based exterior mirrors.

The revised front end is also part of the IVD concept used with the Battery Behind Cab configuration, allowing Scania to accommodate the additional batteries while maintaining the required vehicle configuration for long-distance operations.

More comfort for long-distance drivers

Scania is also updating the cab with a focus on driver comfort and usability.

Improvements include upgraded materials, redesigned seats and an optional 80 cm wide bunk. Visibility has also been improved, while the latest lighting and driver assistance functions are intended to make long-distance driving easier.

Other additions include a magnetic wireless charging pad and an exterior storage compartment with a dedicated glove holder.

Battery capacities from 240 to 560 kWh

Scania’s existing electric truck range offers several battery configurations, with usable capacities of 240, 320, 400, 480 and 560 kWh. Depending on the configuration, the maximum claimed range currently reaches 690 km.

The new Battery Behind Cab solution increases the potential range further, with the maximum figure now reaching 720 km.

*Maximum range depends on vehicle configuration and operating conditions.

Multiple axle and powertrain configurations

Scania offers its electric trucks in several axle configurations, including 4×2, 6×2, 6×2*4, 6×4 and 8×4*4.

In Scania’s terminology, 4×2 refers to a two-axle vehicle with one driven axle, while 6×2 denotes a three-axle vehicle with one driven axle. The 6×4 configuration has two driven axles. The additional *4 indicates a non-driven steering axle.

The electric driveline is available with two, four or six-speed transmissions, depending on the motor configuration.

Up to 74 tonnes gross train weight

Depending on the configuration, Scania’s electric trucks can reach a maximum Gross Train Weight (GTW) of 74 tonnes, with the EM C1-4 powertrain.

Scania has not provided payload figures for the new Battery Behind Cab configuration. This is particularly relevant because adding up to 356 kWh of batteries behind the cab inevitably has implications for vehicle weight and therefore the payload available to operators.

Megawatt charging for longer routes

Scania’s existing electric trucks can charge through CCS2 at up to 375 kW and 500 amps. For the 560 kWh battery configuration, a full charging session takes approximately 90 minutes under the stated conditions.

The new Megawatt Charging System (MCS) can increase charging power to up to 750 kW. Scania has not yet disclosed how long a charging session will take using the MCS system.

For long-haul operators, the combination of higher battery capacity and megawatt charging is particularly important. The objective is not simply to maximise range, but to make electric trucks capable of covering longer routes while using charging stops that can be integrated into normal fleet operations and driver schedules.

Scania joins the race for longer-range electric trucks

Scania is not alone in developing electric heavy-duty trucks for long-distance transport. Mercedes-Benz, Volvo Trucks, MAN and DAF are all developing or already offering battery-electric heavy trucks for European operations.

The latest Scania configuration nevertheless pushes the range figure further, with up to 720 km available when the additional batteries behind the cab are combined with the existing chassis-mounted battery system.

The next challenge will be balancing that range with payload, charging availability and operating costs. As megawatt charging infrastructure expands across Europe, solutions such as Scania’s Battery Behind Cab could make battery-electric trucks increasingly viable for longer-distance freight operations.