Media Release Thursday 30 June, 2022

Russell dixon and scott cann are two of scania new zealand's technical trainers and were involved in launching scania's first battery electric vehicle (bev) trucks into the country.

Both have more than 20 years’ experience in the field, and helped plan, organise and execute training requirements for workshop technicians, service advisors, driver trainers, and workshop managers to be able to operate and service the BEV trucks correctly, and to the highest standard.

The training has a focus on safety, the required process for repair and maintenance of BEVs and the shift from internal combustion engines to BEV technology.

Russell and Scott found the biggest difference between working on training programmes for BEV trucks compared to other new diesel trucks was adapting to the change of technology, thinking in a new way and the required process to work on and service the vehicles. The technology changes have meant different key skill sets to be required of technicians, strong competencies in electrical understanding, and an ability to apply the correct test procedures.

The two notable challenges of the project included adjusting to the different processes involved to set up the training program for the workshop technicians and working on training courses with counterparts in Sweden.

“The challenge of new technology, a new way of thinking, and being part of the shift to a sustainable transport solution is the driving interest for me,” says Russell.

His highlights of the project so far include seeing the BEV vehicles in person and working with the first group of technicians on training and watching them develop and embrace the skills and procedures required for BEVs.

Scott says his highlight of the project was seeing just how far technology has come, comparing the difference from when he first started in the trade 20 years ago, and being able to pass that on to Scania’s network of technicians.

Both Russell and Scott will continue to be involved in the remaining introductory courses for the first two vehicles, as well as future training programmes, as Scania New Zealand looks to increase its BEV market share and vehicle footprint in the country. Technical training will always be a requirement for this worthwhile endeavour.

For further information, please contact:

scania.marketing@scania.co.nz