Scania is set to participate in a feasibility study into the operation of long haul electrified trucks utilising dynamic charging provided by overhead wires on electric roads.
This will be the first study of its type to take place in the UK, with the aim of demonstrating the readiness of the technology for a national roll-out.
The study is part of the £20 million put aside for zero emission road freight trials under the recently-announced Transport Decarbonisation Plan.
Scania's involvement is as part of a consortium whose other members include Siemens Mobility, Costain, The Centre for Sustainable Road Freight (Cambridge University and Heriot-Watt University), ARUP, Milne Research, SPL Powerlines, CI Planning, BOX ENERGI and Possible.
The consortium has proposed an electric road system using Siemens Mobility ‘eHighway’ technology, as the fastest, lowest carbon and most cost-effective route to decarbonising our road freight industry and delivering cleaner air.
James Armstrong, Managing Director for Scania (Great Britain) Limited, said: “We have been working with our partners to develop and mature electric road technologies and have demonstrated that they are not only viable but attractive, cost-effective alternatives to fossil fuel-based vehicles for our customers.
“This partnership is dedicated to marrying technical excellence with visionary ambition, which is how we will achieve a practical and affordable electric roads system for the freight and logistics industry."