The German-based DHL Group and Scania, the Swedish truck maker have jointly developed an electric truck equipped with a fuel-powered generator, aimed at offering a transitional solution for battery-electric road transport. The new truck, Extended Range Electric Vehicle (EREV), aims to address current challenges, including the limited availability of charging infrastructure and seasonal energy demand fluctuations.
The EREV replaces one battery pack with a fuel-powered generator, reducing battery-reliant range while claiming to offer operational flexibility. The truck’s range is estimated to be between 650km to 800km, surpassing the 550km range of Scania’s latest fully electric models. If needed, the truck can be refuelled at conventional petrol stations, according to the company.
The EREV has been developed by Scania Pilot Partner in partnership with DHL. It measures 10.5m in length and weighs up to 40 metric tonnes. The truck features a 230kW electric engine, a 416kWh battery, and a 120kW gasoline-powered generator, which will initially run on petrol and later potentially on diesel fuel or HVO. The EREV’s software can limit generator use, allowing for controlled CO2 emissions.
This EREV runs primarily on 80-90% renewable electricity while using a fuel-powered backup when needed, reducing carbon emissions.
