11 minute read
Scania Introduce New
SCANIA INTRODUCES NEW POWERTRAIN AND MAJOR UPDATES
In its single biggest launch since the introduction of the new truck generation back in 2016, Scania is now introducing not only a new engine platform, but also services and updates that are set to consolidate its position as the leading manufacturer of premium heavy trucks.
“What we introduce today is not only an engine platform but a major initiative for strengthening Scania’s industry-leading position within sustainable transport for the rest of this decade,” says Alexander Vlaskamp, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Scania. “Our strong focus on transport efficiency guides us in the shift towards a decarbonised world, a shift that will have a major contribution from our new powertrain. “We see a world of transport that is rapidly changing, where customer demands for the best total operating economy
and a sustainable future go hand-in-hand. At Scania, we have set our aim higher than maybe any other manufacturer. Not because we think it will be easy but because we see no other option than to actually reach the targets for curbing greenhouse gas emissions set by the Paris agreement in 2016.” With its all-new 13-litre engine platform for Euro 6 vehicles, ranging from 420 to 560 hp, Scania’s powertrain promises fuel savings that typically will reach eight percent for long haulage customers. All engines have inherent HVO fuel capabilities and two of them can be ordered as FAME biodiesel versions. More iterations will follow for markets outside Europe and for biogas solutions. The new powertrain also includes new gearboxes and axles. Initially, the new range will be produced with four different power output levels for Euro 6: 420, 460, 500 and 560 hp, making it relevant for many different applications. In combination with the new Scania Opticruise gearboxes (G25 and G33 that was introduced in 2020 for a number of V8 variants) and a new range of driven Scania rear axles, fuel savings of eight percent can be achieved in applications such as general cargo or temperaturecontrolled transports. All engines can be run on HVO, and two of them can be ordered for use with 100% renewable biodiesel (FAME B100). “A Scania customer that operates a truck with a 500 hp engine will see a dramatic reduction in their fuel bill, even when compared to the industryleading engine generation that we are replacing,” says Stefan Dorski, Senior Vice President, Head of Scania Trucks. “The new ones will excel in many ways, but personally I see the immediate CO reduction as the 2 most important aspect. Our new engines will instantly contribute to decarbonising the world and fighting the climate challenge.”
Other Features
Scania is not only introducing a new powertrain for a lot of different applications; it’s also bringing in other useful features for its chassis layout at the same time. What all these features have in common is their ability to vastly increase the possibility of specifying and operating trucks that are truly tailor-made for their particular applications and tasks. MACH, Scania’s new Modular Architecture Chassis, is much more flexible when it comes to the needs of individual customers. Its main trait is the introduction of a new set of rules for frame hole patterns, with dedicated holes for mounting parts both inside and outside the frame. The result is a more modular and predictable chassis layout, which increases the theoretical number of chassis layouts exponentially. “Instead of getting stuck due to the dependencies between different components, we can now offer a greater variety for chassis layouts,” says Ola Brantefors, Head of Layout and Chassis Installation at Scania R&D. “It is from now on possible to pack the chassis, starting in front of the rear axle. Putting a fuel tank in an alternative position might mean that the payload improves by better weight distribution, while at the same time leaving room for objects like storage space or supporting legs in forward positions, closer to the cab.”
Fuel optimisation unit
A completely new range of diesel fuel tanks is also being introduced, ranging from 165 up to 700 litres each. There are three sizes (S, M and L), that also come in different lengths. They all have a new, ingenious D-shaped design that vastly improves their robustness.
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The low-pressure fuel pump, the primary fuel filter and the water separating filter are moved away from the engine itself and gathered in a separate fuel optimisation unit. This unit is mounted on the end of the primary tank. By doing so, Scania has now once and for all solved the classic challenge about how to be able to maximise the fuel used in the tank. Scania has also developed a new, smart solution for securing the fuel distribution between the tanks on trucks with dual tanks. By having a T-connection with a separate and constant (but very limited) feed to the fuel optimisation unit, a venturi effect is created, which ensures that no pockets of air block the feed between them over to the primary tank.
Mirror View Camera
Together with the new powertrain and services, Scania is also introducing several features and options for their premium trucks. The most noticeable change is the new Scania Mirror View Camera system (SMVC), whose unique solutions takes the human-machine interface regarding digital mirrors to a whole new level. An updated line of upholstery and colour schemes for the interior and the four different bed options are among the other new items, offering extra driver comfort and premium touch. “We had a clear ambition to bring something new to our offer when developing our Scania Mirror View Camera System,” says Peter Hellberg, Product Manager at Scania Accessories. “By placing the camera unit at the door, just below the side window, the connection between what the camera sees and what the driver will experience in the display become natural and instinctive compared with having the camera positioned elsewhere on the cab.” A truck with SMVC will offer a vastly improved view round the A-pillars, an obvious advantage when manoeuvring in tight junctions and busy urban areas. Viewing the 12.3-inch, highresolution displays is easy since they are positioned at the A-pillar, so that it only takes minor eye movements to get the full picture. “It is easy to adapt the camera system to fit different vehicle combinations in a natural way,” says Hellberg. “And without the traditional mirrors, the field of view beside the A-pillars clearly increases.” In dusk and night-time conditions, Mirror View will improve the sightlines without disturbing the driver’s night vision. The system is in fact capable of softening the glare from direct light from traffic behind the vehicle, reducing the possibility of unwanted light being presented in the display. The design of the camera cowlings (which can be painted to fit the truck) has been thoroughly tested from an aerodynamic perspective, to minimise air drag. The cowlings are foldable, have an efficient drip list to prevent the rain from clouding the driver’s view, and the lenses are heated for taking care of elements such as fog, snow and ice. “All in all, this solution brings added customer value, increased safety and premium feel, regardless of whether it is being ordered for a new truck or retrofitted on an existing one,” says Hellberg. Initially this solution will be offered as an accessory, and work is ongoing to secure the approvals and installation routines required to gain acceptance from the UK authorities.
RENAULT TRUCKS ROAD TO ALL ELECTRIC & SUSTAINABILITY GATHERS MOMENTUM
With government seeking a 15% reduction in truck emissions by 2025 and 30% by 2030, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland are well on the road to exceeding those ambitious targets thanks in part to its fully electric Z.E. range of trucks, as we learned at a recent roadshow hosted by Diamond Trucks at the Hilton Hotel in Templepatrick.
During the event, Andrew Scott, Head of Electric Mobility and Product Development for Renault Trucks, outlined the manufacturer’s programme of action going forward to achieve net-zero by 2030; that’s 20 years ahead of the government’s own ultimate target of 2050. Over the last 10 years, Renault Trucks electric vehicles have notched up over one million kilometers of road tests and over the next three years the manufacturer expects 10% of its sales of trucks 12 tonnes and over will be fully electric, one reason why operators need to start now to put in place on their premises an electric supply infrastructure that can cope. Imagine having to charge up, say, a fleet of 50 trucks overnight! While electric trucks may currently come at a higher price, it is anticipated that there will be up to a 50% reduction in actual operating costs over the vehicle’s lifetime.
Renault Trucks’ Z.E. line-up ranges from 3.1 to 26 tonnes and from 2023, an all-electric Renault Trucks offer will be available for each segment, namely distribution, construction and long distance. During the Templepatrick roadshow there were three Renault Z.E. electric vehicles on display - D16 ZE with a Bevans box body, D26 Wide ZE Low Entry Cab with a C.P Davidson “Titan X4” refuse body, and a Master ZE 3.5 tonne Cage tipper with a P.D Stevens body.
Battery Life
A question that regularly comes up when people are considering buying an electric truck is battery life. Batteries are generally guaranteed by the manufacturers for a certain lifespan, which varies according to the use of the vehicle. But what about the actual performance levels of the batteries over their service life?
Electric truck batteries are designed to last and stand the test of time. Their lifespan is expressed in terms of the number of charge cycles, with one cycle representing a complete discharge followed by a full recharge. From their first day, and throughout their service life, the efficiency of batteries slowly and progressively decreases; this is referred to as ageing. A battery’s capacity loss results in performance levels that gradually and irreversibly decline, leading to a loss of range and a loss of vehicle power. However, Renault Trucks is the only manufacturer of electric vehicles that provides a contractual commitment as regards the performance of the batteries fitted on its range of electric vehicles. In concrete terms, whereas other manufacturers only guarantee to provide a battery in working order, Renault Trucks undertakes to provide a battery in working order and whose performance is contractually guaranteed to meet its application needs.
Increased Range
The battery storage capacity of the Renault Trucks electric Master has been increased from 33 to 52 kWh. This new capacity extends the vehicle’s City Cycle range up to 244km under WLTP regulations, with an anticipated real world range of up to 190km. With a fast charger, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. is now 80% charged in two hours and reaches full charge in just three hours. With zero emissions in use, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. is ideal for entering city centres, even in urban areas with traffic restrictions. In addition, the Renault Trucks Master Z.E. enables drivers to operate in cities quietly and efficiently. It is currently available in three models - van, chassis cab and platform cab - in addition to the wide range of approved conversions including minibus, MEWP and OptiTipper. With eight versions, three lengths and two heights, the vehicle is guaranteed for three years or 160,000 km and the battery guaranteed for eight years or 160,000 km.
Low Entry Cab
The D Wide Z.E. Low Entry Cab model, meanwhile, has been specially designed to meet the requirements of the household waste collection sector, facilitating the work of the operators and by optimising their safety, comfort and, ultimately, efficiency. The Renault Trucks D Wide Z.E. LEC is equipped to allow operators to access the vehicle effortlessly and safely. The cab entry is 200mm lower than in a standard distribution truck and features a single non-slip step and doors that open at 90°. This significantly reduces crew fatigue from getting in and out of the cab more than 100 times per round. The low position of the cab provides excellent direct vision for drivers, leading to optimum protection for vulnerable road users. For increased visibility, Renault Trucks recommends additional side windows positioned at the rear of the cab, which are available as an option. The spacious cab of this all-electric truck can accommodate the driver and up to three additional crew members. Its optional flat floor allows for freedom of movement inside the vehicle and allows for boarding and alighting on both the left and right sides. Also on display on the day was a 16 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E, which has been designed for the distribution of goods in cities and has a range of battery capacities from 200 to 400 kWh. It is suitable for traditional distribution assignments and comes in a range of bodywork types. As we mentioned, making the switch to electric can be rather daunting, but Renault Trucks and Northern Ireland dealer Diamond Trucks are clearly ideally placed to help operators choose the best way forward.
