Scania launches comprehensive range of products with alternative fuels and powertrains for Euro 6

Scania has begun a comprehensive launch of a full range of products with alternative fuels and powertrains for Euro 6, further enhancing Scania’s position as the manufacturer with the widest range of alternative fuels.

The highlight of the programme is a Scania-developed hybrid truck for urban distribution combining electric and biodiesel operation; other engines run on gas and biogas, biodiesel, bioethanol and HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil).

“No matter what driving conditions are like or what local circumstances are, there is probably always an alternative solution available from Scania, right here and now,” says Magnus Höglund, responsible for alternative fuels and powertrains at Scania Trucks. “This launch lets us demonstrate to all types of transport players that they can reduce their CO2 footprint very simply, without giving up anything or incurring significantly higher costs.”

The newest item in Scania’s offer is the hybrid truck now premiering and being test-driven by European trucking and environmental journalists.

The hybrid solution, developed by Scania itself, allows an 18-tonne distribution truck to operate solely on electric power for up to two kilometres. 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 one does not want any exhaust fumes at all.

Electric power is combined with Scania’s 9-litre Euro 6 engine with 320 hp, which can be operated on 100% biodiesel, such as FAME or HVO. With this latter fuel, CO2 can be reduced by as much as 92%.

“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,” explains Höglund. “What we’re seeing here is the beginning of a revolution that will make a big difference. Soundless and partly exhaust-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 was the first manufacturer to sell and deliver Euro 6 engines, the highest emission classification in Europe, which makes a huge difference when it comes to reducing emissions.

Scania was also the first to market a complete engine range based on three different biodiesel platforms, which can provide up to 65% CO2 reduction when using FAME fuel.