Scania’s new under cab battery module and Megawatt Charging System now available for order

Scania has begun the global sales rollout of its new under cab battery module, which for the first time enables operators to optimise battery capacity for the vast majority of transport needs. Heavy loads, advanced bodywork and long haulage transport assignments can now be electrified with improved operational precision, and in some applications it’s now possible to achieve a range well beyond 800 km on one charge.

The positioning of the battery module under the cab of the company’s electric truck frees up more space for bodywork and successfully addresses the main issue on transporters’ minds: how to balance the needs of range, without it reducing the payload. A major benefit of the overall battery solution is that we can adapt its positions to cater for different types of bodywork across different applications.

In fact, the increase in gross train weight allowance introduced by the European Union in 2025 means that Scania can deliver a 400 kWh usable capacity option for 360 km of typical range without needing to lower payload – all the way up to the legal maximum.

Another factor for transport companies to bear in mind is that battery capacity does not necessarily limit the achievable range. A common misconception about electric trucks is that their battery capacity should always be large enough for the worst case scenario, and always be optimised for maximum range, for example, 500 kilometres. However, if the transport assignment is only 300 kilometres, having the larger batteries is, in several use cases, unnecessary, and may affect the size of the payload.

Instead, it is more about the charging strategy used for the job, and the introduction of the company’s Megawatt Charging System (MCS) supports that need. Given the legally required rest breaks for the drivers, transporters can plan a battery charge during a journey at a natural stopping point, and top up from, say, 20 to 75%.

That is more than enough battery power to get the vehicle and its payload to the destination. A further charge could be done either at the delivery depot or on the way back to the truck’s base, all of which helps reduce both operating and capital expenditure.

‘The new under cab battery module optimises the placing of the truck batteries to transporters’ advantage,’ said Tobias Ejderhamn, global manager, transformation and new business. ‘Thus, with the right battery set up, MCS and a good charging strategy – using Scania’s own charging company Erinion or Scania Charging Access out on the road – our customers can easily solve the range versus payload question.

‘All of this just underlines the fact that haulage companies who choose Scania’s electric trucks are transporting goods, not kilowatt hours, and reducing their total cost of operation.’

‘Scania can now offer transport operators a comprehensive path to electrification and sustainable transport; one that is reliable, seamless, and commercially viable,’ added Lars Gustafsson, head of solutions management. ‘With these two new additions to customers’ armoury it has become even easier and more attractive to make the change to electric transport.’