In a significant stride towards sustainable transportation, Scania has unveiled its groundbreaking truck, which harnesses solar power to recharge its batteries. This state-of-the-art vehicle, fitted with photovoltaic panels on its trailer, stands as a beacon for the possibilities of hybrid and electric vehicles in the trucking industry.
The innovation is a culmination of a collaboration between Scania, Uppsala University, and several solar panel manufacturers. The truck’s trailer, stretching an impressive 18 meters in length, is decked out with 100 square meters of solar panels, strategically placed not only on top but also on its sides.
The standout feature of this truck is the panels’ ability to produce a whopping 13 kW of power. Although Sweden’s limited sunlight might curtail energy production, these panels can churn out up to 8,000 kWh of electricity annually, replenishing the truck’s batteries. Originally, the truck was a plug-in hybrid from Scania’s lineup with a 100 kWh battery, delivering a range of just under 100 km on electric mode. However, the latest tweaks from Scania and Uppsala University have bolstered the battery storage to 300 kWh, enabling the truck to travel over 250 km purely on electric power.
In sunnier regions, like Spain, the truck’s potential skyrockets, potentially generating up to 16,000 kWh annually, providing a range of 10,000 km solely from solar energy. While regular trucks might cover more distance annually, the prospect of covering 10,000 km using the free energy of the sun is a significant step towards greener and more efficient transportation.
This innovation underscores Scania’s commitment to delving into alternative energy solutions and sets the bar for the future evolution of the transport industry.
