In the future, every transport can be electric, and for a more sustainable world, most must. However, replacing a diesel truck with an electrified one is more than simply exchanging an old vehicle for a new.
So, in an effort to ensure a smooth transition from diesel to electrification among truck operators who are mostly “old-school” and so used to owning diesel buses and trucks, Scania, which now has an electric range of both trucks and buses, is offering solution packages as a complete turnkey operation.
Transitioning to an electrified fleet entails fundamentally changing time-tested business practices and fleet management systems as well as logistics planning and infrastructure.
All this is complex, yet inevitable, as transport companies embark upon electrification. Still, local incentives play a major part in the speed of the transition, and it will be necessary for politicians to make using an electrified vehicle economically viable for haulage companies.
Every new electric Scania vehicle is packaged as a solution that leverages everything from the vehicles and services via comprehensive driver training to partnerships with energy suppliers and long term guidance.
Firstly, routes and transports determine charging and infrastructure needs.
“This is perhaps most important and we will assist the customer in establishing efficient charging facilities,” said Anders Lampinen, Scania’s director of new technologies
Also, understand when, where and how to charge batteries is key, preferably with clean, renewable energy. The cost saver in terms of energy is to use individually-adapted charging stations, and to use overnight charging at the home depot as much as possible.
Electric vehicle technology on this scale is novel, and besides charging, individual implementation and long term maintenance practices are far from standardised between vehicle manufacturers.
Scania’s network for repair and maintenance is subsequently needed to ensure maximum uptime and long-term viability. Each customer is addressed individually to assess needs and provide tools that solve all issues that may arise and support the customer. A full repair and maintenance contract guarantees complete coverage, ability to plan and cost control.
“Regardless if electrification concerns a huge fleet of buses or a small truck operation, it’s vital that this transition is viable for our customers’ business. The electric vehicles must fit into their daily operations. We have risen to that challenge and, with the electric vehicle at the core, added comprehensive solutions to makes it all work,” said Anders.
Electrified operations come with many questions. That is why Scania provides answers and concrete solutions, to help implement tailor-made solutions for every possible aspect of electrified operations.
