Scania launches new battery-electric bus platform at Busworld

The new Scania battery-electric bus platform, one part of the company’s complete e-mobility solutions covering vehicles, services, and systems made its debut at Busworld. With the introduction of low-entry 4×2 buses, the sustainably sourced and built batteries offer energy storage capacity of up to 520 kWh and have been developed specifically for heavy commercial vehicles, enabling a range in optimal conditions of more than 500 km.

The initial introduction of the new platform is made available in low-entry 4×2 buses which will be developed in close collaboration with bodybuilder partners. These buses will be available in two performance steps:

• a four-battery variant with an installed capacity of 416 kWh; and

• a five-battery variant with an installed capacity of 520 kWh.

In optimal conditions, this equates to a range of more than 400 km for the former, and over 500 km for the latter. The sustainably developed batteries are both designed and produced in partnership between Northvolt and Scania. Scania’s updated battery packs and battery management system allow faster charging; the new robust charging port placement makes it more convenient as well.

The low-entry 4×2 BEV comes with flexible specification options to meet different conditions and requirements, and facilitates adaption for bodybuilders. It is suitable for medium- and heavy-duty operations, in city, suburban, and regional applications, in both Class I and Class II. The bus comes in two different chassis widths—2500 mm and 2550 mm—and two different axle gears provide ratio options that work in the most challenging topography.

The new electric machine is more powerful as it comes with a newly integrated cooling system and an updated control system which meets the highest cyber security demands. The machine runs at 300 kW in peak operation and 250 kW in continuous operation.

Powered by the new electrical system and Smart Dash instrument panel, the buses come with new or improved digital functionalities—from safety functions and remote diagnostics to real-time maps and over-the-air capabilities. The future-proof Smart Dash is the ultimate interface that provides wireless updates, and full integration to other digital touchpoints. It enhances the driver experience and makes it more intuitive, while also increasing operational efficiency.