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Scania tests electric-biodiesel hybrid truck

European tests are underway to examine the environmental savings gained by hybrid distribution truck

 

Scania is taking another step towards alternative fuel options with the European test of its new urban distribution hybrid truck.

Combining electric and biodiesel operation, the 18-tonne hybrid vehicle is mostly powered by a 9-litre Euro 6 engine with 320hp (239 kW), which can run off 100 per cent biodiesel such as FAME or HVO.  

Utilising HVO, the vehicle can save CO2 emissions by up to 92 per cent, Scania says.

However, should the driver wish to reduce noise and emissions, the hybrid truck can operate for up to 2kms solely on electric power.

“Electric operation is primarily intended for situations where other solutions don’t measure up: for example, city distribution at night in noise sensitive areas or driving through warehouses and car parks where exhaust fumes are not welcome,” the company says.

Responsible for alternative fuels and powertrains at Scania Trucks, Magnus Höglund says the hybrid is very quiet.

“It’s a very special experience to drive a heavy truck when the only sound comes from the hissing of tires against asphalt and a mild breeze,” Höglund says.

“What we’re seeing here is the beginning of a revolution that will make a big difference.

“Silent and partly exhaust-emission-free trucks can do a better job in cities at night with goods distribution, cleaning, waste collection and other city maintenance tasks.

“Hybridisation can also lead to a higher utilisation of every single vehicle when the range of uses expands.”

Scania already markets biodiesel engines capable of using FAME fuel and, in June, approved the use of HVO renewable fuel in its full range of Euro 5 and Euro 6 vehicles.

The approval comes on the back of a two-year, one million kilometre test of the renewable diesel, which yielded CO2 reductions up to 90 per cent.    

“The biodiesel engines range from 250 to 580hp and are suitable for everything from light service to really heavy operations,” Höglund says.

“And our introduction of a 280hp ED95 engine for Euro 6 is unique in our industry.

“From an environmental perspective, bioethanol is an unusually smart, inexpensive and easy-to-handle alternative fuel that is also readily available in large quantities.”

 

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