Future technologies and system solutions
Technological innovation is transforming the transport industry and accelerating the shift towards a sustainable transport system. At Scania we are innovating at pace to explore, create and deliver solutions that give rise to new products, business models and market opportunities, all with sustainability at the core.
The development of today's and tomorrow’s transport system
Scania is investing heavily in researching and developing solutions that can be used here and now, as well as working on future concepts that will help create a sustainable transport system in the longer term. Scania’s extensive list of innovations includes ready-made solutions such as electric vehicles, as well as concepts such as autonomous vehicles that offer glimpses of tomorrow’s transport system.
Battery-electric vehicles
The first battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) that Scania introduced were refuse collection trucks, distribution vehicles and hook-lifts, which first rolled into urban landscapes around 2021. Since then the scope of electrified applications has rapidly expanded, and today Scania has a broad portfolio of heavy-duty electric vehicles that are suitable for almost any customer or commercial application, and this range of solutions is constantly expanding.
Scania battery factory
Scania’s new 1,000-square-metre battery factory in Södertälje is a milestone on our electrification journey. The factory, which opened in 2023 produces battery packs featuring ‘green’ battery cells from our partner Northvolt. The EUR 15.5 million factory is a strategic response by Scania to the rapid onset of electric vehicles, which is emerging as the key trend in today’s and tomorrow’s transport industry.
Advanced charging solutions
We recognise that haulage companies can only make the transition to electric trucks if there is sufficient charging infrastructure on their logistics routes. In addition to our industry partnerships and public advocacy for better availability of charging in Europe, we have launched our own depot charging solutions company, Erinion, which specialises in private and semi-public charging solutions.
Designing the future
In addition to ready-made solutions we also work on concepts that present possibilities for tomorrow’s transport system:
Scania AXL
Scania AXL is a fully autonomous concept truck for potential use in mines and closed environments such as ports. Instead of having a driver cab it is steered and monitored by an intelligent control environment at the front of the vehicle. The front module’s cameras, radar and lidar sensors act together to generate a common view of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings.
Scania NXT
Scania NXT is a is a modular concept vehicle that is designed to meet the various daily requirements of city life. In NXT, the front and rear drive modules can be fitted to a bus body, a distribution truck body or a refuse collector, so it can take commuters to and from work in the mornings and evenings, deliver goods during the day and collect refuse at night.
Exploring future solutions through research
Solar-powered truck
One of Scania’s many ideas for the electrification of the transport system is a project to develop a solar-powered truck. The electrical propulsion is generated by the vehicle’s own solar cells, sited in a trailer that’s attached to a hybrid-electric vehicle.
Innovations push us forward
Each year, Scania registers hundreds of patents for exciting new technologies that are a result of the innovative work of our employees.
110
New patent applications in 2023
200
Active research and innovation projects in 2024
Smart Labs and Climate tunnel
Another important aspect of Scania’s innovation culture is our experimental technology labs, where we explore how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality could enhance our production, engineering and collaboration processes.
We need to find new ways of working away from the core production line so that we can innovate quickly in response to the rapidly-evolving nature of the transport system. We use these labs to try out new ideas on a smaller scale in a non-traditional way, a bit like a start-up, developing and testing concepts in real operation, so we can learn fast, fail fast and quickly bring viable ideas to market.
Scania has Europe’s largest climatic wind tunnel at its Technical Centre in Södertälje, Sweden. The wind tunnel enables tests in a full range of simulated climatic conditions, and helps Scania design its vehicles for just about every market.
Battery lab
Scania’s batteries are built for great energy storage capacity per weight unit – resulting in the most sustainable heavy vehicle batteries on the market from both the environmental and social perspectives.
Smart Factory lab’s mission is to drive the shift by adapting, evaluating, sharing and delivering digitalisation and automation solutions. How can robots help our factory processes? Could virtual reality improve vehicle development? Answering such questions and prototyping smart concepts are what drives us forward.
Transport lab
Scania Transport lab was established by the R&D department in 2008 as a way to test the company’s new products and services in a real-world transport context. Transport lab also helps to increase Scania’s knowledge of how our products, services and organisation are performing from the customer perspective.
Are you our next innovator? If you have a passion for technology and the right skills, we want to hear from you! Join Scania as our innovative people and technologies drive the shift towards a sustainable, safe and efficient transport system.
Innovation news
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“Ventures and New Business work like ninjas!”
12 Jun 2024 Harsha Raju is a man on a mission to transform ideas into sustainable business opportunities. While also driving circularity, Scania’s Head of Strategy - New Initiatives & Funnels Ventures and New Business is making waves in supporting the company’s vision. -
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ALBA's sustainable waste management with Scania electric trucks
22 May 2024 ALBA W&H Smart City Pte Ltd, a public waste collector in Singapore, plays a significant role in the country’s recycling and waste management. They’ve implemented innovative solutions in sustainable waste management by deploying Scania electric trucks in the Woodlands-Yishun sector for general waste and recycling collection. -
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Wind turbine triumph - Chi Deh’s unwavering trust in Scania trucks
11 Mar 2024 In Taiwan's wind energy sector, Chi Deh relies on Scania trucks for intricate wind turbine projects. For decades, Scania trucks have provided robust power and reliability, serving a pivotal role for precision in engineering operations. -
Six ways Scania’s Control Package boost your business
08 Feb 2024 Fuel savings, increased productivity and smaller climate footprint. The digital revolution has opened up vast possibilities for transport companies to enhance their operations. Here are six ways in which Scania’s digital services offering, Scania Control Package, makes life easier for hauliers.