Scania Introduces Hybrid-Electric GE281 Truck With 60-Kilometre Electric Range
Offered as a hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), Scania’s new GE281 is equipped to work with Scania’s 7-litre DC07 or 9-litre DC09 engines to offer fuel savings of up to 40% in urban environments while still providing operations with range and power when needed.
“The GE281 is something brand-new in the heavy truck industry,” says Fredrik Allard, senior vice president and head of e-mobility at Scania Sales & Marketing. “With this fourth generation of hybrid trucks from Scania, we have reached a point where hybrids are strong candidates for a variety of applications and operations where sustainability and smart solutions are the main priorities. These new hybrids have the capacity for taking on a multitude of tasks and will come out on top in all kinds of relevant comparisons.”
Greater Potential With Powerful Electric Motor
The truck provides 230 kilowatts of continuous electric power and 290 kW of peak power, an increase from previous Scania hybrid trucks. Maximum torque is 2,100 newton-metres (1,550 pounds-foot). Scania GE281 models configured as a PHEV feature a battery capacity of 90 kilowatt-hours from three 30-kWh batteries. The HEV version offers one 30-kWh battery.
“With the GE281, we have reached a new level,” Allard says. “The electric machine equals or often exceeds what the combustion engine can offer, thus creating the opportunity to downsize the internal combustion engine (ICE) and save both fuel and weight. The ICE is only motivated by its capability to offer the range needed when travelling longer legs between different assignments.”
Combustion Power
Scania’s 7- and 9-litre combustion engines are available in three power outputs; the 7-litre DC07 ranges from 162 to 206 kW (220 to 280 horsepower) and the 9-litre DC09 ranges from 206 to 265 kW (280 to 360 HP). When downsizing from the DC09 to the DC07 on the GE281, payload increases by 250 kilograms (550 pounds). The combustion engines can all run on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and some can also run on biodiesel FAME to reduce environmental impact.
Common Scania Features Available
Scania combines the electrification benefits of the hybrid GE281 with many of the company’s top features, including Scania Adaptive Cruise Control with Active Prediction. The GE281’s PTO can be used while driving, even when the system is in full-electric mode. Scania also adds new drive modes, highlighted by the Power mode where an extra 74 kW (100 HP) of electric power is added on top of the ICE’s peak performance.
“It is a mature and fully-fledged product,” says Allard. “It offers all the capabilities and functions that you expect from a Scania, while also offering electrification, the opportunity to run the combustion engine on renewable fuels, and substantial fuel savings. We do believe that these kinds of trucks will eventually be replaced by battery-electric vehicles. But until long electric-powered ranges and relevant charging infrastructures are available in all markets, there is definitely a window during this decade for hybrids.”
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Source: Scania