ABB E-mobility and Scania successfully undertake first test in development of Megawatt Charging System

Testing represents a global milestone in development of charging system for heavy duty vehicles. Their collaboration is key in driving electrification of heavy-duty transport, currently responsible for 40 percent of global road transport emissions

Sweden’s Scania, a leading global provider of transport solutions, notably trucks and buses for heavy transport applications, says it has successfully installed and tested a pilot megawatt charging system from ABB E-mobility, representing the next milestone in the development of an efficient, high-power charging solution for heavy-duty vehicles. The technology will enable half the charging time for heavy-duty vehicles.

Both companies pledged commitment to enabling a zero-emission transport future and taking the lead in developing tomorrow’s technology today. Developing a solution to fast charge these commercial electric vehicles, which will also deliver significant range, is a major step towards increasing sales of heavy-duty vehicles that can be driven fossil-free.

The initial testing, to prove the technical viability of high current charging, is a first important step towards the future MCS system from ABB E-mobility. This will result in the progressive deployment of high-power chargers, starting from 1,500 Ampere and eventually extending to the full MCS scope of up to 3,000 Ampere. This is a charging standard that Scania and ABB E-mobility have both invested in and have been instrumental in developing in collaboration with CharIN (the MCS standard is expected in 2024).

MCS technology is critical for Scania’s long-haul electric trucks, where both driving time and resting time are regulated by law. The vehicle can be driven for a maximum of 4.5 hours before the driver needs to take a 45-minute break and during this time the truck needs to charge enough power to operate another 4.5 hours. Due to the size of the batteries, both fast and high-power charging is essential.

“We see momentum for electric transport and our goal is that 50 percent of all vehicles we sell annually by 2030 are electric. To achieve this goal will require infrastructure and MCS is a crucial piece of the puzzle for the infrastructure going forward,” said Fredrik Allard, Head of E-mobility, Scania.

As a global leader in EV charging solutions, ABB E-mobility is at the forefront of delivering the reliable charging infrastructure and robust service capabilities which fleets require in order to successfully transition to electric.

Chris Nordh, Global Head of the Fleet & Transit business at ABB E-mobility, added: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Scania on this milestone pilot, which will set a precedent for the sector and identifies one of the ways we collaboratively approach OEM charging partnerships, effectively verticalizing the technology stack to create great end-user experiences.”

“Today is an exciting day and we look forward to many more milestones to come as we further develop a quality, reliable, and seamless charging experience for fleets.”

Starting this year, Scania can offer trucks with the MCS pre-standard connector to customers with specific and pronounced needs, with production set to begin in 2024. ABB E-mobility will introduce the next iteration of its MCS technology in late 2024/early 2025.

Scania cliches deal for e-trucks in Mexico

In April, Scania clinched a deal to deliver seven Scania electric trucks to Mexico’s Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company.

The seven 2024-model 25P B4x2 rigid electric trucks from Scania México are 100% electric vehicles, which will be driven on urban routes. Each has load capacities of 11.5 tons and will be fitted with the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) 2.0. Each vehicle will also be covered by Scania maintenance contracts, to ensure maximum availability of what will be the first-ever Scania electric truck fleet in Latin America.

Grupo Bimbo’s order comes after it completed a successful trial period of a 25P B4x2 electric truck, as part of the company’s shared intention with Scania of moving towards sustainable transport. The trial, which began in 2022, produced positive results in terms of range and performance.

For Scania México, the deal underlines its commitment to launching a new electric truck each year; it wants electric vehicles to represent 10% of its vehicle offer by 2025, and targets 100% by 2050. The new Scania electric trucks will also help Grupo Bimbo continue to make progress towards reducing its own carbon emissions, and more than 80% of the electricity that it consumes now comes from renewable sources.

“Both companies are gradually approaching our common goal of reducing the polluting emissions of our vehicles to 20% of their 2015 level by 2025, and keep going until we reach zero carbon emissions, in alignment with our commitment to the Science-Based Targets initiative,” said Alejandro Mondragón, CEO of Scania México. Source: www.scania.com

BOX OUT

Scania Charging Access in key European cities to be launched in October to simplify public charging for electric trucks and buses

Scania is poised to offer seamless access to a Europe-based charging network suitable for mixed fleets of trucks and buses, to help simplify the transition to electrification and fulfil customers’ need for more charging solutions.

The company said the Scania Charging Access will offer set, predictable costs with no hidden fees, via a convenient invoicing system. Customers will be able to plan, operate and pay for their public charging through one service. Scania Charging Access will launch in multiple European countries in October and will be expanded to cover public charging networks built for trucks.

• Scania Charging Access will offer market-leading coverage for public charging of trucks
• Predictable pricing, no hidden fees and one consolidated invoice
• Available also for mixed fleets, it is the first European service of its kind
• Particular focus on availability, simplicity and uptime
• Enabling drivers to locate charging stations that are suitable for trucks
• Scania Charging Access offers peace of mind for drivers and fleet managers.

“Scania Charging Access will help iron out the hurdles and stress connected to en-route charging by offering an extensive network and hassle-free administration,” said Fredrik Allard, Senior Vice President and Head of E-mobility at Scania. “This service will no doubt be welcomed by hesitant haulers and transport buyers. It will help lead the way towards the large-scale electrification of buses and trucks in different applications in Europe.”

The initial customer interfaces will be My Scania (overview, planning and administration) and the newly released Scania Driver App, enabling drivers to find where the chargers are located, to calculate the distance to them and to monitor the charging processes. Scania Charging Access is open to customers with mixed fleets.

“With this initiative, we aim to create a charging solution that favours true customer value such as simplicity and uptime,” said Allard. “By using our charging service, customers can obtain reliable, relevant information of where to find charging stations that are suitable for trucks, and be assured that they are paying fair local prices. So far, customers have been struggling with different apps, conditions and invoices, not unlike the mess users have been experiencing on the passenger car side.”

Uptime and reliability are key in the transport industry for all kinds of customers, and Scania sees a real demand for making charging easy and predictable. Scania cannot disclose its network partners yet, but Allard says there is potential for local Scania dealer networks and major providers within the car charging business to join Scania’s charging service.

“The whole transport industry is longing for something like this to happen,” said Allard. “Scania Charging Access is first and foremost about creating the right conditions for a true e-Mobility transformation of our industry. I am not saying we are philanthropists, but the main target is to create the necessary infrastructure for sustainable transport. I really hope that other OEMs will support this by also introducing shared networks for mixed fleets, offering customers access to the broadest possible charging network for trucks in Europe.”

Scania Charging Access will be launched in October, simplifying charging and kick-starting a seamless transition to electrification all over Europe.

“This is a unique initiative. No-one else in the industry is offering one smart solution, where all kinds of customers can find operators that offer charging points suited for trucks and buses; all while still receiving one consolidated invoice per month,” Allard noted. “The essence is to unify different charging solutions and create the kind of customer value that will help convince those customers that are willing but so far hesitant to electrify their transport.”Source: www.scania.com