Scania is the second manufacturer who takes our test trail with an electric truck. The brand thus emphasizes that it now offers a fully emission -free range, including this 45 R BEV ‘Long -distance puller’, which is not limited to city traffic.
You must have a trained eye to notice the new small ‘lip’ at the bottom of the front bumper. The wheelbase is also longer than with conventional vehicles: 4150 mm. Furthermore, there is little new. The batteries on either side of the vehicle hardly stand out.
Cabin. We had the CR20H version, which offers an entry with three steps. The truck is still equipped with classic mirrors, because Scania has not yet introduced its optional camera system. Inside there are no surprises, except in terms of the displays. The right screen has a new appearance to adapt to electric driving: the rev counter disappears, and real -time energy consumption is displayed for a rational driving style.
Technology. The electric motor, with the lovely name EM C3-6, is central and sends its strength via a differential and axes to the wheels. The GE 281-speed gearbox has six gears. The battery pack consists of six blocks, good for a total capacity of 624 kW. The strengths of the EM C3-6 are the power, the high torque (3250 Nm immediately available!) And an acceleration that a diesel cannot match. This ensures extremely high driving comfort. One could even compare it with a V8 version.
Incredible softness
Driving impressions. Another habit when starting: it feels like nothing happens, because the vehicle makes no noise. We already knew the liveliness, the power when starting and the acceleration, but the incredible softness continues to be amazed. As soon as the parking brake is loose, the vehicle drives quietly and smoothly – as if you were floating over the asphalt. Only the sound of compressor, tires or wind is audible.
Because electric motors deliver exactly the same torque over the entire speed range, vibrations are gone and interruptions in the pulling power during switching virtually imperceptible. The braking system is important for safety: that also charges the batteries. The system for recovering kinetic energy (Kinetic Energy Recovery System / Kers) delivers 600 kW back.
Performance and energy consumption. The combination of the day weighed 40 tons (of which 11,050 kg for the tractor) with a streamlined trailer. Thanks to a charging station nearby we were able to leave with a full battery, good for – in theory – 400 km … but our course was 402 km long!
Notwithstanding the principle that charging happens during descents, we still had to have a stopover to drive stress -free. For maximum efficiency we of course had the predictive system, which is even more relevant than on the usual vehicles. It is important to make maximum use of the relief to overcome fits quickly and to charge the batteries as much as possible during the descents.
We were not there yet!
Like colleagues in other countries, we also had a lot of trouble recharging. Let us immediately be clear that this has nothing to do with the truck itself, but with the limited loading network en route, often in places that are inaccessible for trucks with trailers.
First attempt: the Berchem gas station (Groot-Hertogdom), direction Belgium. The charging points – clearly meant for cars – were quickly found. But then: maneuvering with a trailer where vans are already in doubt, defying one -way streets, finding a place to disconnect … and ultimately crack three parking spaces. We went to get coffee ashamed, with an eye on the charging status via the app on my mobile phone. Fortunately it was at the end of October and quiet in terms of tourists!
On our varied course, which reflects the daily reality of drivers, we achieved a consumption of 97.2 kWh / 100 km at an average speed of 80 km / h. For comparison: the Mercedes Eactros achieved 90.4 kWh / 100 km at 82 km / h.
Conclusion. The 45 R has passed its driving test with shine, although it is not yet for everyone. His only weak point is outside his power: the limited range of charging stations for trucks!
Technical sheet Scania 45 R BEV
• Motor: Scania EM C3-6
• Batteries: 6 / North Volt
• Capacity: 624 kWh
• Cabine: CR20H
• Control: Electric / EAS
• Power: 450 kW / 610 hp
• Suspension: Air Comfort
• Wielbase: 4150 mm
• Motor brake: 600 kW
• Charging: up to 350/375 kW
