Scania’s new under-cab battery module helps electric truck operators balance range and payload

Scania has launched a new under-cab battery module as part of its global rollout, aimed at helping electric truck operators better balance range and payload requirements. By positioning the battery beneath the cab, the design frees up additional space for bodywork, addressing a longstanding challenge in electric truck configuration. This innovation allows fleet operators to tailor battery capacity more precisely to their specific transport needs rather than defaulting to maximum range batteries that can reduce payload. The new battery module offers a usable capacity option of 400 kWh, delivering a typical range of around 360 kilometres while maintaining payload up to the legal maximum, thanks in part to the European Union’s planned increase in gross train weight allowance from 2025. Scania emphasises that larger batteries are not always necessary, especially for trucks operating on shorter routes where charging strategy plays a more critical role. The company’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS) supports efficient planning of charging stops during mandated driver rest periods, enabling a combination of depot and en route charging to optimise operational costs. Tobias Ejderhamn, Scania’s Global Manager for Transformation & New Business, highlighted the strategic advantage of the new battery placement, noting that the right battery configuration combined with smart charging solutions can effectively resolve the trade-off between range and payload. Scania’s integrated charging services, including its own Erinion network and Scania Charging Access, provide operators with flexible options to manage their fleets more efficiently. This approach underlines the importance of charging infrastructure and strategy alongside battery technology in the electrification of heavy transport. The introduction of the under-cab battery module represents a significant step forward in electric truck design, potentially influencing how fleet operators plan their vehicle specifications and charging logistics. As regulatory frameworks evolve and charging infrastructure expands, Scania’s modular battery solution could become a key enabler for wider adoption of electric trucks across diverse transport applications. The company’s focus on adaptability and operational efficiency reflects broader trends in the electric vehicle sector aimed at balancing performance with cost-effectiveness.